Not every gearhead can afford a new Lamborghini. The Audi R8 Type 42 offers much of what a Gallardo does with added reliability and affordability.

It’s not every day you see a sports car that is equal parts affordable, reliable, and fast. That is exactly what Audi gave gearheads back in 2006. The first-gen Audi R8, dubbed ‘R8 Type 42’, was a borderline supercar that is usable enough to drive you to work every day.

The first ones to roll off the production line featured a V8 engine, which was soon followed by its V10 counterpart. About 28,600 Audi R8 Type 42s were built during a production run that spanned 9 years. That’s a lot of first-gen R8s you can get your hands on, with model years between 2007 and 2015.

The Audi R8 Type 42 gave drivers more than what they would expect out of a regular sports car, breaching the supercar territory. While most gearheads will happily settle for a stylish coupe with an Audi badge and a V8, the German automaker said, ‘Nein, there’s more’. In 2008, Audi revealed an Audi R8 powered by a V10 engine, appropriately named “Audi R8 V10”.

Getting to the numbers, let’s start with the less impressive engine (by V10 standards, at least). When Audi introduced the R8, it was powered by a naturally-aspirated V8 engine, plucked from the early 2000s RS 4. The V8 sat in a mid-engine configuration, giving the 3,439-pound car a perfect weight distribution. The V8 powerplant produces 420 horses and 317 lb-ft of torque. That’s about a horsepower per 8.3 lb of weight. Soon, the R8 V8 model then received an upgrade with a dry sump lubrication system, dual chain-driven overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing for both the inlet and exhaust camshafts.

Although the R8 V8’s maximum power output of 420 hp and peak torque output of 317 lb-ft may appear modest compared to a modern supercar, it’s beyond impressive for a regular street car. With a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds, the R8 V8 may not be the fastest out there, but it’s a symphony of sound and sensation that adds oomph to the driving experience. If the output of the rumbling, growling V8 engine is mediocre to you, there’s always the R8 V10.

The R8 Type 42 has a little secret we haven’t revealed yet. The model is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, which was the inspiration for the Le Mans Quattro Concept. It makes sense, considering that this was around the time Audi took over Lamborghini and designed their first set of Audi-Lamborghini cars (including the Gallardo). Thankfully, the Audi Type 42 displayed Audi’s curves instead of Gallardo’s straight lines. The Lamborghini influence the R8 failed to shake free of was the awesome V10 powerplant.

The direct injection V10 engine of the R8 has been detuned to 518 hp, just shy of the Lambo’s full-strength 544 hp unit. Despite this reduction in power, the R8 is still a ferocious machine, hurtling from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

The V10 engine might not be the most melodic out there, but it packs a punch, delivering immense reserves of torque without requiring constant prodding. The standard six-speed gated manual transmission provides a satisfying, mechanical feel. But those who prefer a more hands-off approach can opt for the R-Tronic paddle shifter.

The Audi R8 Type 42 greets you with surprising ease of entry and exit – assuming you have enough space to open the long and thick doors. Even those who are not as nimble should be able to slide in and out comfortably, making the car accessible to people of all ages and shapes. While the R8 interior offers ample head and legroom, taller drivers might prefer the extra stretching space available in the Porsche 911.

As for storage, the R8 provides a reasonable amount of space for odds and ends. The shallow door pockets can each hold a small bottle of water, while the glovebox packs an extra bit of space. Audi thoughtfully added a pair of cupholders too. The car’s front trunk offers a small 112-liter storage area that can accommodate a couple of overnight bags or a carry-on suitcase.

The R8 Type 42’s cockpit exhibits Audi’s standard elegant finish with easy-to-reach key controls. There is nothing fiddly about the cabin, apart from the infotainment system (which is a bit clunky to operate). The sports car is an excellent option for long-distance cruising while also fitting well on any highway. Compared to its rivals, it’s also less temperamental and easier to manage.

The R8 avoids many of the common issues that plague other supercars. Additionally, being an Audi, there’s a plentiful supply of spare parts available in case any replacements are needed. However, expect to pay supercar money for a clutch or brake pad replacement!

What turns the great Audi R8 Type 42 into ‘perfect’ is its low price tag. You can squeeze Lamborghini Gallardo-grade performance out of the perfectly affordable Audi.

The prices vary, like with all used cars, but you can always find yourself an exotic German supercar deal for the R8 V8. We’re talking about a deal that can go even as low as $50,000 for the R8 V10 models.

The Audi R8 V8 models are even cheaper, with an average price of just over $70,000. Now, that’s affordable enough for young gearheads who are eager to purchase their first supercar.