In this writer’s opinion, the first-generation Audi R8 has one of the most timeless designs of any car released in decades and this simply stunning 2012 example could be the perfect supercar from its era.
This R8 V10 has been listed up for auction through Bring a Trailer having previously been sold on the platform for $169,000 in December 2021 and $153,000 in December 2022. It is believed to be just one of seven in this specification built for the North American market and has already got me thinking of the best way to win the lottery.
Immediately making this R8 stand out is the fact that it is finished in a stunning color dubbed Brilliant Red. It’s not too often that you see a first-gen R8 painted in red but it suits the car perfectly. We also love that the exterior of the car has been left standard, including the polished 19-inch Y-design wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires measuring 235/35 up front and 295/30 at the rear.
Read: Audi USA Announces That The Limited Edition 2023 R8 GT Will Start At $249,900
It’s not just the design of the R8 that we love but also the cabin. Again, its design may be 16 years old but it still looks quite modern and unlike so many more modern supercars, has plenty of physical buttons, switches, and knobs. The analog instrument cluster is particularly nice as is the fact it has a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and best of all, a six-speed gated shifter. The previous owner also fitted a K40 radar detector.
Driving the car is a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 that pumps out 525 hp and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque. This power is sent through all four wheels and the listing notes that the car has been driven 14,000 miles (~22,500 km) since new.
