Racing Pedigree

Audi R8 on and off the track.

- Paranjay Dutt

Is ‘everyday supercar’ a misnomer? It’s certainly something every car manufacturer wants to make, but not everyone gets it right. With bucket-loads of racing pedigree, can the R8 prove to be the best use of the words ‘everyday’ and ‘supercar’ together? Only six hundred words and you’ll have your answers.

Audi has got two things just right with the R8: the driving position and how the cabin is put together. The latter has trademark Audi levels of build quality but doesn’t feel ostentatious — it feels like that of a racecar, without being bare-bones. The launch sequence comprises a prod at the neatly placed (on the steering) starter button. Off we went…

Out on the Buddh International Circuit, the R8 comes alive, not only on the straights but also in corners. It is surprisingly easy to drive, hugely rewarding when you get it right, and one of the best ways to spend your trackdays in.