Some invitations you simply cannot turn down. Such as the opportunity to drive the
Audi R8 - the most electrifying car ever to bear the four-ringed logo - on the track at Mosport - one of the most daunting road courses on the continent.
Now, keep in mind that I'd already had the good fortune to drive the R8 during its North American introduction and, more pointedly, on a road circuit at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But you can never have too many chances to drive this high-performer on the track. Throw in a healthy dose of wet weather and the fact that the R8 is an all-wheel drive supercar and you have the proverbial offer that can't be refused. Immediately after the Las Vegas introduction, articles on the Audi began appearing everywhere. In said articles, many journalists hailed the R8 as a "Porsche 911 killer." Curious; my experience with the Audi was exhilarating, but given that there was no Porsche around for comparison, not that illuminating.I left the event understanding that the car had massive levels of dynamic handling and not insignificant acceleration, but not completely certain where it stood compared to the likes of the 911. Therefore, I needed more time behind the wheel; I needed to attend the Mosport event.
A stunning performer Starting the drive route to the track from an Audi dealership north of Toronto, a few aspects of the R8 became immediately apparent - for the second time. As soon as we took to the on-ramp, the tenacious grip of the low-slung two-seater revealed itself. Then, having successfully merged onto the highway, the mid-mounted 4.2-litre V8 engine (420 horsepower; 317 lb-ft of torque) sent the car rocketing well past the speed limit with ridiculous ease. Once up into the stratosphere of elevated speeds, the Audi also proved that it may well be the easiest supercar to drive beyond the posted limits - and the quickest with which to lose your license. With an ultra-low centre of gravity, the R8 remains planted to the ground at all times and, despite its low seating position, offers few clues that the speed limit has come and gone.