Manual Audi R8 V10, Though Rare, Looks Like A Bargain Right Now
Recent auction sale of a six-speed manual Audi R8 V10 brought a number that, somehow, seems a bit more reasonable than you’d think.
It’s hard not to get excited about the concept of manually rowing through gears in a mid-engine V10 supercar. In fact, that very concept is why a manual Lamborghini Gallardo fetches a premium over its E-Gear counterparts. However, its more-luxury-oriented sister car, the R8, wasn’t commonly equipped with a manual transmission in V10 models. For quite some time, Audi R8 V10 manual examples have consistently commanded a higher value than their automatic and V8 counterparts.
It seems, though, that the market for early-gen R8s in any form is starting to level off in such a way that the elusive manual V10 variant is getting quite reasonable. A recent sale on Cars and Bids yielded a final hammer price that was slightly lower than one might have expected. It’s a clean example of a first-gen in good spec and low mileage. Now, it’s got us thinking. It might be a good time to buy one if you’re lucky enough to be in the market.
Under $125,000 for V10 Six-Speed Bliss
This 2011 Audi R8 V10 Coupe is as ideal a spec as a first-generation R8 comes. Coupe, V10, and, say it with me folks; “gated six-speed manual.” It has 18,800 miles on the odometer as well. While that may seem “high” for its Lamborghini counterpart, it’s pretty low for an R8. After all, these cars were driven quite a bit more than Gallardos in many cases.
It comes with the convenience package, which includes parking sensors, a rear-view camera, hill hold assist, and auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors. In addition, it, of course, features the magnetic adaptive suspension and heated Nappa leather seats. Modifications are limited to 20-inch BC Forged wheels and, of course, a Larini exhaust system. Quite frankly, if you own a V10 Audi R8 and keep the stock exhaust, you should be considered a criminal.
All of this is to say that the final sales price of $124,500 is fantastic. That price point barely gets you a nice example of a first-gen Acura NSX at this point. Furthermore, a recent Bring A Trailer sale of a six-speed Gallardo with god-awful tinted taillights fetched $150,000. That’s with the 5.0-liter V10 that produces less power than the R8’s 5.2-liter lump.
Get in While You Can
With a 525-horsepower and 391 pound-feet-of-torque-having V10 mated to a six-speed manual transmission powering all four wheels, this rare bit of supercar history is sure to become a staple of a future car collection. It’s pretty safe to assume that low-mileage examples of the elusive manual Audi R8 V10 will ascend in value over time. The best time to buy one may have been yesterday. However, the next best time to buy one just might be today.
If you’ve got the means and the desire to own one, $125,000 just seems like a pretty dang good deal. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another one this clean and in this spec for that price point. Best of luck, folks!
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