For a brand obsessed with the absolute effectiveness of its models, the first generation of the Audi R8 , equipped with a manual box, was the most beautiful of idiosyncrasies. Furthermore, using the “H” scheme at the base of the knob, one of the images that has marked Ferrari for decades.
Despite the “purist” appeal, exacerbated by the media, what is certain is that those who bought the first generation of the R8 didn't want to know any of this — it is estimated that the manual transmission would amount to something like 5% of total sales. A number so low, that in the second generation, Audi would simply forgo this option, offering only the fastest and most effective seven-speed S-Tronic (dual clutch).
But excuse the nostalgic in me, but on the road, little or nothing matters the hundredths of a second that an automatic transmission gains by geared ratio. The extra interaction guaranteed by a good manual transmission, and the corresponding “clak-clak”, like the one that equipped the Audi R8, is an ingredient that gives a distinct flavor to the experience, making it definitely more interactive — and for more, coupled with the two excellent naturally aspirated engines that equipped it, the 4.2 V8 and the 5.2 V10.
The last of the R8 manuals
We bet it's one of the reasons behind choosing Erik Dietz, the owner of this Audi R8 V8, with manual gearbox, of course. And this R8 turns out to be more special than others — no, it doesn't have to do with the ingenious cargo box placed in the rear of this R8. This was the last Audi R8 with a manual gearbox to roll off the production line at the Audi factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, in 2015.
As we like here at Razão Automóvel, it's no use having a machine of this caliber if it's not for use. And very well used has been this R8 — the roof rack isn't just there for “style”, this car has had enough of walking.
Its owner, residing in the USA, took an epic journey aboard the R8 across the European continent. The car was transported from the US to southern Europe, having then covered 14 000 km in just four weeks , crossing Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, among others, until reaching Sweden, where this short video was made, which lets us see and discover the most varied details of the R8, highlighting, of course, the bare handle of the gearbox and the “H” at the base of the gearbox.
