It is said that nothing good ever lasts. All of the philosophical mumbo-jumbo that we come across every day is usually ignored. But this particular saying hit me hard during the Dubai leg of #xBhpPowerTour 2023. The reason is that I got to drive an Audi R8, one of my favourite supercars that recently went out of production. Though it has been in production since 2006, it does not seem like that long when I first laid eyes on it while watching Iron Man (2008). It took my breath away in an instant and I have been itching to get behind the wheel of one ever since. 

In 2023, I got the chance to scratch that itch and now, it is the end of the line for it. Regardless, since the R8 is no longer being made, it was impossible to get a press car. How did I get my hands on it then? One Click Drive. It is a platform that you can use to rent all sorts of cars, including supercars, and it is super easy to get going. So before I talk about the car and forget about everything else, a big thanks to One Click Drive for helping me make my dream of driving the Audi R8 come true. Back to the car then. 

Most people would remember the R8 as an AWD or Quattro. But in 2018, Audi launched the very first rear-wheel drive R8 called the RWS or Rear Wheel Series. It was limited to 999 units. Then it was put into series production with the moniker Audi R8 Coupé RWD and Audi R8 Spyder RWD, the former a coupé and the latter a convertible. 

Additionally, the Audi R8 Coupé RWD is, or was, offered in two trims; Performance and GT. The engine that powers both the trims is the same but makes 620 hp/565 Nm in the GT trim and 570 hp/550 Nm in the performance trim. There are a couple of more differences; the Performance trim has a higher top speed perhaps because of the GT’s fixed rear wing but the GT is quicker to 60 mph from a standstill. Phew. It is a bit confusing but I hope I was able to clarify it enough. By the way, I drove the Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance RWD.

Despite the car having already been out of production, we were able to experience the last hoorah of the Audi R8 thanks to One Click Drive. A platform to rent all sorts of cars, sports cars, and supercars, One Click Drive is your one-stop shop for renting some of the most sought-after cars in the world. Easy and affordable, One Click Drive is the kind of platform that makes the supercar dreams of us mere mortals come true.

First and foremost, the Audi R8 looks simply stunning. A lot of people think that the R8 does not look like a conventional supercar because it lacks the theatre of something Italian. But then again, if it is conventional, it is worse, right? The Audi R8 is a more gentlemanly supercar. Though I was a big fan of the very first iteration, I am not averse to the more dramatic recent R8s. Despite the more angular lines and more cuts and creases and intakes than ever, the Audi R8 still manages to look elegant. 

On the inside, you expect it to be difficult to live with because that’s the key ingredient of a supercar. Not the Audi R8. It breaks the mould and manages to be a perfectly comfortable everyday car. The way it balances practicality with the drama you associate with supercars is commendable. The same can be said about the performance but that… comes with a twist. The 5.2 litre naturally-aspirated V10 is a gentle giant. It is a powerhouse but it does not scare the living daylights of you, even in this RWD trim. Then again, it can be quite tail-happy if you want it to be. 

As soon as you press the start button, the engine comes to life with a noticeable but not alarming thrum. Blip the throttle a few times though and you get a roar complete with the pops and crackles we all love. Despite making its presence felt, it is a very tractable and very calm engine that propels the R8 around town quite easily. There’s something to be said about the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as well. If you’re in a playful mood, all you have to do is engage the right mode and the car transforms! 

Suddenly, what was puttering along the freeway willy-nilly is threatening to throw the tail out every time you’re too generous with the throttle. It is bonkers. And yet, it is always in control. Because the engine is naturally aspirated, the throttle feels very organic and you are always in control of the car. It is set up wonderfully as well. You are always aware of what either end of the car is up to. Though ever since assisted steering was introduced, the feel has been somewhat robbed, the R8’s steering still manages to feel weighty. 

In lesser words, the Audi R8 will always be known as the supercar that anyone can drive but still, more than a bit of fun in the right hands. I feel sad that it is going away and though I am not against the electric future that awaits us, I am going to miss the Audi R8 something fierce! Regardless, I can always rewatch Iron Man if I miss it too much. Or fly to Dubai and get one again from One Click Drive.