AutoConnect_Magazine February 2016 | Page 9

power and torque readings and even a lap timer.

Generally using the system is simple enough, all you need do is use the 'view' button on the steering wheel to toggle through the various options, and if you ever get stuck just hit the back button. That said, if you want to get the most out of all the options then you need to start using the bezel down by your left thigh. It'll take a little bit of practice to remember where everything is stored and how to find it if you've never used the system before, no matter what Audi says.

Which if you're interested states: “The new Audi R8 has an entirely new menu structure. It provides intuitive and easy operation with flat hierarchies. As in a smartphone, intelligent logic replaces branched menu trees, and frequently used functions can be accessed in just a few steps. A special highlight is MMI search, which is available for all basic menus and is operated by user input of free text. It generally generates answers after just a few letters have been input, taking the car’s current location into consideration.”

Perhaps, but with the handwriting technology, it isn't something you're going to be doing on the move, unless you want to crash anyway. The same could be said of the voice controls, which do work, and use microphones integrated into the seatbelts so commands can be better understood. My question is, why use it when plugging your iPhone in could give you access to Siri if the system was compatible.

The R8's cabin is heavily focused on the driver, which is why when all is said and done, there's only really one button that you need to learn how to use. It has a picture of twin-exhausts on it, bottom right of the steering wheel. Press it and it brings the noise and the smiles no matter what's on the high-definition 12.3" screen.