Lot Ended
Description
Desirable
facelift example of Audi’s mid-engined V8 supercar; S-Tronic dual-clutch
transmission; 188mph performance; £130,815 when new
First unveiled
in 2006, the Audi R8 represented a major milestone for Audi, marking the brand’s
first true mid-engined supercar and signalling its intent to compete directly
with established exotic marques. Drawing clear inspiration from Audi’s dominant
Audi R8 LMP, which achieved multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the
early 2000s, the road car combined advanced aluminium construction, everyday
usability and genuine supercar performance. Its arrival was widely regarded as
groundbreaking for the brand, successfully translating Audi’s motorsport success
into a highly usable yet thrilling road-going flagship.
The 2012 update
to the R8 brought significant improvements over the earlier cars. Most notable
was the replacement of the original single-clutch R-Tronic transmission with
Audi’s far more advanced 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, transforming the
driving experience with quicker, smoother and more intuitive shifts. The
facelift also introduced full LED headlights, revised exterior styling, upgraded
in-car technology and a power increase for the 4.2-litre V8. Collectively, these
updates made the later cars noticeably more refined and usable, while retaining
the balance and character that defined the original R8.
Finished in
striking Ibis White, this impressive example was manufactured in 2014, making it
one of the final first-generation cars produced before production ended in 2015
and therefore benefiting from all the desirable facelift upgrades.
Having
covered just over 54,000 miles, this R8 benefits from a full Audi service
history to 42,000 miles and a no-advisory MOT. The car appears to have been well
maintained throughout its life, something reflected in both the car’s interior
and exterior condition. The desirable Ibis White paintwork presents very well
with excellent depth and gloss, contrasted by extensive genuine Audi carbon
fibre, most notably the R8’s instantly recognisable side blades.
The
car’s purposeful appearance has been further enhanced with a carbon fibre rear
wing and second-generation R8 wheels finished in gloss black, creating a
particularly striking example. These enhancements are not purely cosmetic, with
the vendor reporting that the car received new front brake discs and pads less
than 1,000 miles ago, while the upgraded wheels are fitted with a full set of
Pirelli P Zero tyres with ample tread remaining. A custom exhaust has also been
fitted, allowing the naturally aspirated V8 to deliver a more pronounced
soundtrack while remaining refined on longer journeys.
Inside, the
contrasting black leather interior is equally impressive, featuring genuine Audi
carbon fibre trim, aluminium gearshift paddles and a flat-bottomed steering
wheel with the appropriate ‘R8’ moniker. The car is also well specified,
including Audi Advanced Parking System with rear-view camera, cruise control,
heated seats and the upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, all specified
when new. For additional security and peace of mind, the car is fitted with a
Meta Track S7 tracker and immobiliser, complete with supporting documentation
which will be transferred to the next owner.
Our vendor, a trained
mechanic formerly working within Jaguar Land Rover’s specialist development
department, acquired the car in early 2024 after it had been recorded as an
insurance Category S loss in late 2023. We are advised that the damage was
limited to bolt-on body panels on the driver’s side, all of which were replaced
using new genuine parts. The vendor collected the panels personally, travelling
all the way to Poland, to ensure correct fit and quality, and photographs of the
repairs are available upon request.
The history also shows a recorded
colour change, which the vendor confirms relates to a previous matte black wrap
rather than a repaint, with supporting photographic evidence supplied.
In
summary, this is a striking and well-maintained example of one of the most
recognisable supercars of the 2010s, offered in desirable facelift specification
with strong history and presented in excellent order throughout. Costing
£130,815 when new, it now represents a rare opportunity to acquire a well-sorted
R8 at a fraction of its original list price.
Contact - jack.kenneally-perrin@brightwells.com