2008 Audi R8: Campo to Canada
Trailblazer: The coolest way to test the new, superexotic Audi R8? Forging a 3100-mile path along the grueling Pacific Crest Trail.
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Brian Vance
"I guess we should've installed those snow tires," photographer Brian Vance mutters as the icy precipitation morphs from a slow shower into sheer whiteout, covering our gray R8 in a thick blanket of powder. Seconds ago-literally-light and fluffy snowflakes, like mini-parachutes, were floating to the ground, barely dusting the curvy two-lane that led down to the shore of southern Oregon's Crater Lake. No problem, we thought. Plus, the R8 has all-wheel drive and stability and traction control, so even if the snowfall intensified moderately, we figured we'd still be okay.
Now, however, a blizzard is upon us, not only hindering our vision, blending the eight-foot-high snow banks with the downpour, but also wreaking havoc on our PZero-shod Audi. Remember Bambi on ice?
"Whoa, whoa," I gasp as the R8 slip-slides toward a wall of roadside ice, the traction-control light flickering like I've just won a prize. I feel like Marcus Grnholm, but without the fame, the talent, and the rally car. With the Graziano six-speed nestled into second, I keep my throttle and steering inputs light. Soon we're confronted with a steep incline.
"Keep your momentum going up this hill," Vance
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