Find of the Day: 2009 Audi 4.2L Supercharged R8

words: Bill, photos: Streetside Classics

In a former life, I was fortunate enough to drive a 2012 R8 V8 6sp manual on the fabled track at Sebring. For the next several months, that car came in and out of my life and let me tell you…it was heaven (humble brag shot of me at Sebring following).

My fondness for the OG R8 grew and grew and I decided that if I could ever be in the position to own an R8, it would be a MK1 V8 R8 6sp manual in Brilliant Red. So imagine my delight when I stumbled across this car…an almost identical twin to “my” R8 with the huge exception that this one is equipped the Stasis Package.

The package bumps up the power to a back straightening 540hp. This example is also covered in carbon fiber from the blades to the engine compartment. Here’s the ad:

RARE & LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE, SUPERCHRD 4.2L V8, 6SPD TRANS, LIKE NEW, SHARP!!

Loaded, beautiful, and wickedly fast from an added supercharger – this 2009 Audi R8 4.2L Stasis Package is a truly red hot 540hp, six-speed supercar that’s ready to stun them all and as it passes everyone by.

An intelligent supercar like this deserves a color like Brilliant Red. It retains a fine luster today thanks to good care and superior German craftsmanship. So, the super-slippery paint looks great on this precision-built body. The R8 really did throw out the rulebook with its design. The low hood, even lower headlights, and optional carbon fiber side blades give this a perpetual distinction. And the profile of this car looks like how you imagine air wants to flow. It has an instant attractiveness and freshness that tells you this is true exotic.

German cars are some of the best at ergonomics, and the R8 proves it the moment you sit in the contoured leather bucket seats. These seats and steering wheel power adjust, so it’s always easy to find your ideal position no matter if it’s for performance driving or easy highway miles. And that’s the true beauty of the R8 – it’s an adaptable car built to be comfortable in all situations. That’s why you have a long list of features, including automatic climate control, keyless entry/ignition, heated seats, power windows, cruise control, dual front airbags, side airbags, and anti-lock brakes. Plus, the center infotainment system includes a great sounding audio system, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, a backup camera, and Bluetooth. But while this might sound like a coddler, the stick shift, deeply recessed gauges, and flat-bottom steering wheel let you know it’s also a performance machine.

The original 4.2-liter V8 is still under the rear hatch. It was already an appealing powerplant with 420 horsepower on tap. But those who know R8s will instantly recognize this one is far from stock. This is a STaSIS supercharged Challenge Extreme Edition. That means a well-engineered upgrade that gives the motor an extra 120 horsepower. It gives you more power than the V10 version, and yet, it weighs less that that car, too. So yes, you’re looking at a terrific power package. You get total control over it all with the six-speed manual transmission. But more than just an amazing motor, Audi focused on the full performance experience. Even the undercarriage has been engineered for maximum wind efficiency. But the true party piece is the Quattro all-wheel-drive system that was specially engineered for performance driving. Plus, you have vented four-wheel disc brakes, grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and a recent $5k investment in a new adjustable coilover suspension.

Complete with the original owner’s manual, this is an awesome supercar with a unique heart. So don’t miss this red-hot exotic. Call now or be the person watching a fast, red, blur go by.

Sadly, it’s out of my price range (& approved wife range) at $81,995 but this is a great price for a great car. I’m going to be sad when this one disappears and not into my garage. Hopefully one of you can buy this…and let me take it around Sebring for old time’s sake. You can find this R8 HERE.