2008 Audi R8 Quattro

Chassis No. WUAAU34288N002537
All too often concept cars can be a disappointment in production. They are a showcase of future ideas and plans packed tightly into a single, brightly-lit object on a glittering stage. These ideas are then thinly spread across a model range; each car receiving a small acknowledgment of the concept car's existence and in the end, the concept may be scrapped. If it is extremely fortunate, the concept car is confined to the corner of a factory museum, unlikely to be seen anytime soon. Not so, for the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept.
By 2003, Audi and their race department, Audi Sport Gmbh, were doing extremely well. To celebrate a hat trick of 24 Hours of Le Mans wins (2000-2002), Audi commissioned a mid-engine V10-powered concept car, the Audi Le Mans Quattro, for display at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. The impact the Le Mans Quattro made was substantial. Audi's factory in Neckarsulm, Germany was given a €28 million renovation to produce the series production sports car, christened the R8 after Audi's Le Mans winning racing car. Audi's home of motorsport and high-performance models – Audi Sport– was tapped to construct the R8. What emerged from Audi Sport for the Paris Auto Show in late 2006 was Audi's first supercar. A high revving, 4.2 L V8 mounted amidship was coupled with its transmission, a six-speed, open-gate manual, ensuring that driver involvement is paramount. The press was naturally effusive in its praise with Autoweek stating that, “Simply, the Audi R8 is in a class by itself.”
The R8 offered here is one of only 240 destined for the USA in its launch year. It was originally purchased by two-time Indy 500 and 2003 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya at Champion Audi on the 5th of November 2007. After nearly 1,000 miles of seat time Montoya sold the car to its second and current owner in March 2008. Under current stewardship, the car has seen light use with its 5,000 mile service and oil change by Audi Hilton Head recently completed in April 2022. At the time of cataloging, it showed a very low recorded mileage of only 4,936 miles.
This R8 is a particularly exciting example, featuring nearly $10,000 in additional features including special order Daytona Grey Pearlescent Metallic paint matched with Carbon Sigma Side Blades. The Carbon Sigma Blade option (6H3) existed for a very short period in 2007 and was canceled, “due to overwhelming demand.” Audi requested their dealer network remove this option from their lists and it is believed that approximately 200 R8s received this rare option. The interior features the Premium Plus Package and Bang & Olufsen's 12-speaker sound system ensuring the music doesn't stop when the engine is turned off.
The pre-R-Tronic R8s are a delight for a true analog experience with little electronic interference. A manual transmission, coupled to a normally aspirated, high-revving, mid-engine V8 is automotive perfection and it's no wonder why Juan Pablo – paid to drive fast cars for a living – was interested in purchasing one for himself. With fantastic looks, rarity and, if desired, everyday usability, the first-generation Audi R8 is a fantastic supercar and one that, from concept to production, has stood the test of time. Service records accompany the car along with two keys, owner's manuals, and R8 toolkit.