Automobile Likes R8 5.2, Gearheads Less Than Astonished.

Somehow Automobile Magazine have gotten their hands on the new Audi R8 5.2 FSI (short hand for the new V10 model in case you've been living in a cave), and have published a review before anyone else. This coup is rendered somewhat underwhelming by the news that Automobile rather liked this much faster, more refined version of the already very fast, very refined über Audi.

Despite Automobile's gushing and glowing, I'm again left to question the point of this car in Audi's lineup which, as Automobile points out, will no doubt clash with not one, but two basically in-house rivals (Lamborghini's Gallardo and Porsche's 911 Turbo). I can only assume that VAG's marketing boys have done their research and come to the conclusion that the R8 is somehow appealing to a totally different class of performance obsessed car enthusiast. Basically one who wants a slower, cheaper, better looking Gallardo LP560-4, with a better interior. Time will tell.

Until that day, we can all hope that Volkswagen's not-too-attractive Blue Sport Roadster concept (which I liked much better when it was smaller, lighter, and called the Ecoracer) will finally give birth to the much-anticipated, petrol-V6 engined Audi R4 (which of course will only compete directly with Porsche's Boxster/Cayman twins). The petrol-engined part is important here as diesel sports cars are great for car shows, and to promote a "greener" image, but I maintain, that they're as bad as any other diesel for actually trying to have fun while driving. And for Christ's sake VAG, give us the option of a proper manual gearbox; one clutch is enough! Seriously, has anyone looked at how much owners will be paying when it comes time to replace all these clutches on Volkswagen's DSG system?

So come on Audi, give us a relevant sports car already. You'll feel better with that monkey off your back, and I'll feel better once the depreciation sets in...