R8 Driven: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10

[Bartek S.]

An iPhone ring tears me out of a state that’s a bit of a mash-up, mixing sheer bliss with hyperawareness of my surroundings. My mobile’s the last thing on my mind as I sit at the flat-bottomed wheel of the new Audi R8 V10, having just manhandled a fantastic canyon road on the way to driving nirvana. Car after car of Napa Valley commuters willingly moved aside for me to pass by in a wake of throaty baritone V10 growl. Now that was over all too quickly. My mobile was shrilly, calling me back to reality as it sat vibrating in the cupholder.

“Hey.”

It was European Car’s Karl Funke at the wheel of a brand new S4 behind me. “Want to go back through?”

Not long ago we’d been plodding along some of the most boring roads in the Napa Valley. Sure, they were lined with picturesque vineyards with rows upon rows of perfect grape plants straight out of a cheesy tourism pamphlet, but the intrigue of the tarmac was nothing to write home about. Then, all of a sudden, things changed. The vineyards disappeared. Our boring road turned into a winding canyon pass. We’d hammered through curve after curve, changing elevation, slicing left, slicing right – cliffs enough to make you think twice about pushing hard, yet let you know that no CHP would have room to set a trap.

“Definitely!” is my obvious answer to Karl. We’ve pulled off onto the side of the road and I quickly flip a U-turn and head back the other way. Our intent is to swap cars at some point and I’m hoping I can commit to the return pass before he can argue. Funke will get to return the way we just came, but for now I am clear for a fly-by going back the other direction.

Full article: fourtitude