We might live in an age where everything we do is posted online, backed up to the cloud and retrievable around the world, no matter where we are. But it’s reassuring that there are still moments where the outside, connected world, can disappear into the background.
The car is now becoming part of the internet of things, and even from the drivers seat your access to every part of your digital life continues. That’s good in everyday life, but if you want enjoyment, escapism and a smile to cross your face it’s probably best not to have that connection. You want time to think about the road, the roar of the engine and shifting between gears.
And as the sun went down in Le Castellet in the depths of southern France, one vehicle that offers all of he above came into view.
Audi has worked hard to improve on the already well received R8 sports car, and as the aeroplane’s wheels touched down on the runway, the second-generation vehicle came into view as it stood waiting for us.
As well as being a moment of detachment from the world, the R8 is also something to gaze at; with sharply cut lines and low stance.
It's a welcome change from the constant arguments I hear about how plain some vehicles look, how similar cars are becoming. Which to some extent is a fair view as cars become more akin to white goods and we concern ourselves less with aesthetics and more with practicality. But not, thankfully, the R8.
But it’s behind the wheel not looking at the design, that I’m most interested in, cocooned in an aluminium and carbon-fibre body, where the outside world should become a blur.
Shift in focus
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