Audi R8 GT (2010) CAR review

Audi R8 GT

  

This is the Audi R8 GT, a lighter, more powerful (and thus faster) version of Ingolstadt’s finest supercar. Think of the GT as a Superleggera version of the R8, a car to take on the likes of the GT3 RS, M3 GTS, and of course, the real Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.
So is the Audi R8 GT essentially a German version of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera?

Yes, the R8 GT’s biggest rival is perhaps the lighter, more powerful (and thus faster) version of the Gallardo. Audi might own Lamborghini, but as if it wasn’t enough to launch a V8-powered supercar based on the Gallardo, it then launched a V10 version – albeit in detuned form with 518bhp and 391lb ft. And now we have the R8 GT, with exactly the same engine as the base Gallardo.

Audi R8 GT rear

Differences? The Superleggera squeezes an extra 10bhp from its 5.2-litre V10; the R8 GT boasts the same 552bhp @ 8000rpm and 398lb ft @ 6500rpm as the standard little Lambo. The Audi is the porkiest of the pair too, tipping the scales at 1525kg, 95 kilos more than the Italian. Result? 3.4 versus 3.6 seconds to 62mph in Lambo’s favour, a split which will keep the marketing teams happy on paper, but one that won’t be translated into the real world. 

The New 2011 Nissan GT-R

So what's new on the 2011 Nissan GT-R?

2011 Nissan GT-R front view

To help you maneuver at low speeds, a new two-wheel-drive mode will temporarily shift the car to 2wd as long as the speed is below 6mph and the steering wheel is turned more than half way. Bye bye 12-point turns.

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT (yes, really) tire has a new compound to improve grip, says Nissan. And newly designed, lighter and more rigid forged alloy wheels improve tyre responsiveness to vertical load.

Want more nerdy detail of the modest changes? Knurling inside the wheel has been modified to avoid any Tyre rotation deviation caused by the GT-R’s improved engine output, and there’s a new wheel color: Hyper Blue Black Chrome.

2011 Nissan GT-R Rear view

Aero drag hasn't been left alone. Down force has been increased by around 10%, and Nissan claims stability is improved by an enlarged bumper and grille openings.
Two seat choices available

Choose from Recaro Black - leather appointed bucket seat with red side flashes. This comes complete with a dark headlining and red flash on the gear lever.

The second choice is a premium leather covered seat available in black or light grey, a light gray colored headlining providing a lighter feel to the interior.

Plenty of detail changes then. But that price rise? Nearly £11k more proves that Nissan knows it was undercharging for too long. Probably an attempt to squash gray imports - and now the market is filled with official UK cars, that's less of a risk.