Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) Review

Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) At A Glance

5/5

+Refined supercar that can be used everyday, with a forgiving ride. Very quick with secure quattro roadholding. Outstanding V10 engine.

-R tronic semi-auto can be slow to react to paddles. Interior finish starting to feel cheap and dated compared to latest Porsche 911.

Insurance Groups are between 48–50
On average it achieves 95% of the official MPG figure

Few supercars can match the Audi R8 for all-round performance and usability. It might lack the prestige of a Porsche 911 or the flamboyance of a Ferrari 458 Italia, but the R8 excels when it comes to what really matters with breathtaking acceleration and solid road handling.

The R8 was launched back in 2007 with just one engine - a 4.2-litre V8 - but over the years Audi has refined its supercar, with the addition of V10 and Spyder models. The summer of 2012 saw a facelift, with new bumpers, carbon fibre splitter and LED lights. A new S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission was also added along with a lighter and more powerful model, the V10 Plus.

However, despite the facelift and internal revisions, the R8 looks and feels much very like it did when it first rolled off the production line, which is no bad thing. The R8 is sleek and attractive to look at, while its mid-engine layout never fails to turn heads, wherever it goes. Admittedly, the cabin now feels a little dated and cheap compared to a 911 or 458 Italia, but the seats are comfortable enough, with solid fittings and a decent dashboard layout.

The R8 is available with three engines - one V8 and two V10s - but only true supercar fanatics will want to venture beyond the 4.2-litre V8. Indeed, the V8 fulfils almost every supercar whim, with 430PS and 430Nm of torque. The 0-62mph sprint can be accomplished in 4.6 seconds, while the R8 will rocket along to a top speed of 187mph.

A six-speed gearbox is fitted as standard, but buyers can upgrade to the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic. For us the auto option is a no-brainer, with quick gearchanges and 0-62mph falling to just 4.3 seconds. 

The thunderous V10 can be specified with 525PS or 550PS and both powerplants can accelerate to 62mph in less than four seconds. Top speed for the V10s exceed 190mph and both models get magnetic ride adaptive damping as standard, which lets the driver choose between a 'normal' or a more hardcore 'sport' setting. 

Yet, no matter which engine or transmission you choose, the R8 is nothing short of brilliant to drive. All three engines are packed with torque, which equates to outstanding acceleration across every gear. The engines are vocal too, although the V10 stands apart with a thunderous rumble that will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

Audi must also be praised for the excellent quattro four-wheel drive system, which is near faultless with a solid footing and bags of grip. The handling is bolstered by a stiff suspension, which eliminates bodyroll and encourages the driver to push the R8 hard in the corners.

However, despite its outstanding supercar ability, the R8 is also fun and useable at low speeds. In fact, the combination of a forgiving ride and nimble steering make the Audi perfect for town or city driving. What's more, the R8 can hop over speed bumps and fit into most multi-storey car parks, which makes this one of the few supercars that we would actually want to drive on a daily basis. 

Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder 2013 Road Test

Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) handling and engines

The Audi R8 is offered with the choice of three engines: a 4.2-litre V8 with 430PS or a 5.2-litre V10, with 525PS or 550PS. For most, the V8 will be enough to fulfil the need for speed, with 430Nm of torque and a top speed of 187mph.

The engine is one of the best supercar engines around, with 90 per cent of torque available from 3500rpm. This means the R8 will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and return rapid pace all through the gear range. The V8 is fitted with a six-speed manual as standard, but it's worth investing in the seven-speed S tronic auto, which improves performance - the 0-62mph sprint falling to 4.3 seconds.

If that isn’t enough supercar performance for you then the 5.2-litre V10 will take the R8 to another level, with the choice of 525PS or 550PS. Even in its lesser form, the V10 is monstrous, with 530Nm of torque at 6500rpm and power peaking at 8000rpm. With the S tronic transmission, the V10 will gallop from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 195mph.

The range topping V10 Plus develops 550PS and 540Nm of torque at 6500rpm, which catapults the R8 from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 197mph, when linked to S tronic transmission. Fuel economy ranges from 20.3mpg for the V8 and improves to 21.9mpg with the V10.  

As mentioned, the V8 is a good engine, but if money is no issue then there's no substitute for the V10 Plus. It’s a brilliant piece of engineering, with mountains of torque and a thunderous soundtrack. Combined with the S tronic automatic transmission, the V10 reigns supreme and the R8 will run most supercars to their limit. But the V10 Plus does command a hefty premium and for this reason we think most buyers will opt for the excellent V8.

On the road, the R8 is brilliant fun, with a near perfect balance and solid quattro road handling. The suspension is quite stiff, with no bodyroll, which lets you push the R8 quite hard in the corners and carry a lot of speed in the process. The majority of the power is delivered to the rear wheels, but the four-wheel system will adjust the distribution if it detects loss of traction.

V10 Plus models get upgrades which include ceramic brakes, racing wishbones, springs, shock absorbers and front suspension geometry, which means you can take the R8 to a frightening new limit. Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping is also standard for the R8 V10 (and optional for the V8) with the choice of two driving modes: normal or sport. Select the hardcore 'sport' and the R8 grows louder and the power steering is adjusted to deliver super-sensitive feedback. The S tronic 'box also improves with sport mode with sharper changes.

For the most part, the R8 is forgiving and most drivers will be able to extract a rewarding supercar experience, with firm road holding and breathtaking acceleration. Yet, despite its supercar capabilities, the R8 is also surprisingly useable at lower speeds. It will fit into most car park spaces and will also hop over most speed bumps without question. The automatic gearbox is also happy to doodle along in a higher gear at low speeds, which means the R8 can be comfortably driven in a town centre.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
V10 5.2 FSI quattro 19 mpg 3.9 s 346 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI quattro Plus 19 mpg 3.8 s 346 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI quattro Plus S tronic 22 mpg 3.5 s 299 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI quattro R Tronic 20 mpg 3.9 s 326 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI quattro S tronic 22 mpg 3.6 s 305 g/km
V8 4.2 FSI quattro 20–21 mpg 4.6 s 318–332 g/km
V8 4.2 FSI quattro R Tronic 21 mpg 4.6 s 310 g/km
V8 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic 23 mpg 4.3 s 289 g/km

Real MPG average for the Audi R8 (2007 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

95%

Real MPG

16–25 mpg

MPGs submitted

15

Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) interior

Dimensions
Length 4431–4440 mm
Width 1904–2029 mm
Height 1249–1252 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm

Full specifications

The interior of the Audi R8 is surprisingly large, with plenty of head and legroom for two adults. The mid-engine layout means the R8 is strictly a two seater, but there’s a decent loadspace behind the seats, which could house a set of golf clubs or a couple of small suitcases. There’s also a space under the bonnet, but again this is on the small side with just 100 litres of space.

All models get leather clad sport seats, with electric lumbar support and the flat-bottomed steering wheel to provide plenty of clearance between your legs and the bottom of the wheel. The layout of the dashboard is impressive, with a simple to use infotainment system which includes navigation, a CD player and the Audi Music Interface.

All of the systems are easy to use, with the majority of controls accessed via a scrollable onscreen menu. However, the display on screen feels somewhat dated and slow, while the system lacks the fluid operating system of the latest Audi models. The R8 also doesn't have a head-up display, like the RS7, to show you what speed you’re doing and (more importantly) what the local speed limit it.

Some of the interior trim also feels a bit cheap and tacky, with disappointing fittings and plastics. That's not to say the R8 cabin is a cheap throw together of cloth and gadgets, but it lacks the style and modernity of a Jaguar F-Type R Coupe or Porsche 911. However, despite these misgivings, the R8 is generally a pleasant place to spend time and the seats are extremely supportive for long trip. There’s also plenty of all round visibility, with large wing mirrors and a huge windscreen.

Behind the wheel, the R8 is pleasant, with a large and comfortable seat and an excellent view of the road. Admittedly, it takes a bit of work to climb into the low-slung cabin, but the interior is surprisingly spacious. The passenger also gets a supportive seat, with enough room to stretch out and relax.

In V10 trim, the R8 gets some notable upgrades, with LED lighting, stainless steel pedals and a light and rain sensor pack. The dashboard also gets leather trim, while V10 Plus models get racing bucket seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and carbon inlays.

There’s also a comprehensive options list, but we’d recommend the parking sensors and magnetic ride (an option on the V8) as that gives you the option of decent ride comfort for everyday driving and much stiffer suspension at the press of a button for when you want to have some fun.

Standard equipment levels:

V8 has 19-inch five-arm double-spoke' design alloy wheels, locking wheel bolts, tyre repair kit, ABS, ESC, anti-slip regulation (ASR), anti-theft alarm and electronic immobiliser, brake lights with LED technology, LED headlights, wave brake discs, internally ventilated, eight-piston brake callipers at front and four-piston at rear, hill-hold, retractable rear spoiler, navigation, CD player and an MP3 compatible stereo.

V10 adds 19-inch '10 spoke Y' design alloy wheels, Audi magnetic ride, adaptive suspension system with two selectable modes (Normal and Sport), Bang & Olufsen sound system, tyre pressure monitoring system, metallic or pearl-effect paint, light and rain sensor package, LED interior lighting plus stainless steel pedals.

V10 Plus comes with 19-inch '5-arm double-spoke Y' design alloy wheels, ceramic brakes, V10 plus Sports suspension, R8 bucket seats, front spoiler lip and rear diffuser in Carbon sigma, door mirrors in Carbon sigma and sideblades in Carbon sigma.

Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4431–4440 mm
Width 1904–2029 mm
Height 1249–1252 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1560–1645 kg
Boot Space 100 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 9000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Costs
List Price £85,100–£129,735
Insurance Groups 48–50
Road Tax Bands M
Official MPG 19.0–22.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until October 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
4.2 FSI quattro 430 2dr £93,735 19.9 mpg 4.6 s
4.2 FSI quattro S tronic 430 2dr Auto £96,635 22.8 mpg 4.3 s
5.2 FSI quattro 525 2dr £114,835 19.0 mpg 3.9 s
5.2 FSI quattro Plus 550 2dr £126,835 19.0 mpg 3.8 s
5.2 FSI quattro Plus S tronic 550 2dr Auto £129,735 21.9 mpg 3.5 s
5.2 FSI quattro S tronic 525 2dr Auto £117,735 21.6 mpg 3.6 s

On sale until September 2012

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
4.2 FSI quattro 2dr £87,965 19.9 mpg 4.6 s
4.2 FSI quattro R tronic 2dr Auto £93,275 21.2 mpg 4.6 s
5.2 FSI quattro 2dr £109,120 19.0 mpg 3.9 s
5.2 FSI quattro R tronic 2dr Auto £114,430 20.3 mpg 3.9 s

On sale until April 2010

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
4.2 FSI quattro £85,100 20.3 mpg 4.6 s
4.2 FSI quattro Auto £85,100 21.2 mpg 4.6 s

Model History

September 2006

Audi R8 unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

Breathtaking new aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car revealed in production-ready form in Paris. Scheduled to open for UK ordering in late 2006, with prices expected to start from around £77,000, the new ultra-high performance Audi R8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies, all underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Mounted directly behind the cockpit of the comparatively lightweight, 1560-kilogramme aluminium-bodied Audi sports car is a high-revving V8 petrol engine delivering 420PS, and contributing to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 269PS per tonne. Spinning freely to its 8,250rpm limit, this acclaimed unit punches the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds and, in the right conditions, can carry it on to a top speed of 187mph an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

Driving purists can choose a six-speed manual transmission to channel the 430Nm of torque to the four driven wheels, but they may also be tempted by the racing-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which uses shift-by-wire technology to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes.

By mounting the eight-cylinder engine as close as possible to the centre of the new R8, in deference to racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning R8 sports prototype and Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication - another racing-derived element also furthers this aim by enabling the V8 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.

Beneath the skin is a deceptively spacious two-seat cabin with more than a hint of racing car inspiration in its layout and appearance, and typical Audi luxury evident in its extensive Fine Nappa leather upholstery and trim and generous equipment. The 2.65-metre wheel base also makes provision for surprisingly accommodating luggage space behind the seats and also in the front compartment ahead of the cabin, which has a 100-litre capacity.

July 2007

Audi R8 launched in the UK

Mid-engined aluminium supercar in UK from July 2007. 4,430mm long by 1,900mm wide by 1,250mm high. Has 420PS, 430Nm torque V8 revving to 8,250rpm giving 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and top speed of 187mph. 6 speed manual or R tronic autoclutch sequential paddleshift, optional magnetic ride dampers, 19" wheels with 235/30 front tyres and 295/30 rear tyres. Priced from £76,825. First UK deliveries July 2007.

November 2008

V10 introduced

Second R8 model is powered by 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine open for UK order in January 2009 for first deliveries spring 2009. Available with manual gearbox at £99,575 OTR, or with R tronic sequential shift transmission at £104,665 OTR (R8 4.2 V8 £77,405 OTR and £82,495 OTR). 5,204cc V10 produces 525PS at 8,000rpm and 530Nm at 6,500rpm (R8 4.2 V8 420PS at 7,800rpm, 430Nm at 4,500rpm). 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds (0-60 3.7?), top speed 196mph, combined mpg 20.6 (R8 4.2 V8 R tronic 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph, combined mpg 20.7). Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Bang & Olufsen audio system.

R8 V10 is the first car in the world to be equipped with all-LED (light emitting diode) headlamps. For the first time the high intensity diodes have been used for low beam and high beam settings, as well as for daytime running lights and indicators. The LED headlamp of the Audi R8 is the first of a completely new
generation of headlamps using only light emitting diodes which in itself reduces CO2 emissions. An interior light package including LED footwell lighting, light and rain sensors and LED engine compartment lighting also comes as standard on the 196mph supercar

May 2010

R8 GT launched

Limited to 33 UK-bound examples, the R8 GT opens for order in summer priced at £142,585 OTR– first deliveries in spring 2011. Kerb weight reduced by 100kg to 1,525kg, output of V10 FSI engine boosted to 560PS and torque to 540Nm, giving an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 367PS per ton. Available exclusively with R tronic automated manual transmission. 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, combined mpg 20.6. Fastest ever road-going Audi with 199mph top speed.

September 2010

New 4.2-litre FSI R8 gives 430PS at 7,900rpm, 430Nm from 4,500 to 6,000rpm. The latest version of the high-revving, dry sump-lubricated 4.2-litre FSI V8 complies with EU5 emissions limits with the help of a new recuperation system that conserves energy during coasting and braking. Its increased 430PS output (previously 420PS) peaks at 7,900rpm, with maximum torque of 430Nm arriving at 4,500rpm and being sustained through to 6,000rpm. At least 90 per cent of this torque can be tapped into even lower down the range from 3,500rpm, and from the 6,000rpm peak through to 7,500rpm.

July 2012

Audi R8 Revised

Revised R8 range incorporates faster S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission and new lighter and more powerful V10 plus model.

The totally new seven-speed S tronic transmission replaces the R tronic automated manual option in the latest R8 range, and is available as an alternative to the acclaimed six-speed manual gearbox with its open stainless steel gate, which continues to be offered for all versions in the UK. With a three-shaft layout, the S tronic transmission is less than 60 centimetres in length. Its two multi-plate clutches are positioned behind one another (a new feature), and serve two mutually independent sub-transmissions; gears are shifted directly as the clutches alternately open and close. As a result gear shifts take place within hundredths of a second and with virtually no interruption to tractive power.

The twin-clutch S tronic transmission can make its rapid fire shifts via the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles. It offers a sports mode that adjusts the shift pattern to extract the very best from the V8 and V10 engines, and a launch control function that manages engine speed and permits exactly the right degree of tyre slip for the quickest possible take-off when accelerating.

With the benefit of S tronic the hand built, naturally aspirated eight and ten cylinder FSI petrol engines are given even more opportunity to show their mettle. The integration of the new 7-speed S tronic transmission has not only reducedemissions by up to 22 g/km, but in V8 and V10 Coupé and V10 Spyder versions it has also improved the acceleration time from rest to 62mph by three-tenths of a second compared with R tronic-equipped equivalents. Both engines are compact, comparatively lightweight and feature motorsport-derived dry-sump lubrication which allows for low positioning and therefore a lower centre of gravity for optimum handling.

The 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine produces 430PS at 7,900 rpm, and peak torque of 430 Nm between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The unit powers the R8 Coupé with S tronic transmission from rest to 62mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 186mph (with manual transmission: 4.6 seconds and 187mph). The R8 V8 Spyder in manual and S tronic forms takes care of the sprint in 4.5 and 4.8 seconds respectively, and in both cases can reach a top speed of 186mph. According to the combined cycle test the V8 Coupé with new S tronic transmission can return up to 22.8mpg.

The V10 engine provides 530 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, and peak power of 525PS available at 8,000 rpm. With S tronic transmission the V10 Coupé can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 195mph. With manual transmission the values are 3.9 seconds and 196mph. The R8 V10 Spyder with S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 193mph (with manual transmission: 4.1 seconds and 194mph). Combined economy in the V10 Coupé with S tronic stands at 21.6mpg.

The new flagship of the range is the Audi R8 V10 plus. Developing 550PS and maximum torque of 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm, this coupé-only version catapults from rest to 62mph in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 197mph when linked to S tronic transmission; Combined fuel economy is 21.9mpg. With manual transmission, the acceleration time lengthens slightly to 3.8 seconds, top speed also increases to 198mph and combined fuel economy tops out at 19.0mpg

In the UK, V8 versions of the 2013 Model Year R8 will feature 19-inch five-arm double-spoke wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front and 295/30 tyres at the rear. ‘Standard’ V10 models will be equipped with 19-inch ten-spoke Y design wheels with tyres of the same specification. The R8 V10 plus will differentiate itself further through an exclusive 19-inch five-arm double-spoke wheel design. Optional wheels with a high gloss or titanium look will also be available, with an exclusive black gloss finish offered for the V10 plus.

All-LED headlights are now standard on all variants of the Audi R8, and are complemented by new strip-shaped daytime running lights that form a ‘clasp’ around the lens. The light-emitting diodes for the high and low beam headlights have been placed above and below the daytime running lights, which are specially actuated to serve as indicators. Static cornering lights are also integrated into the headlights.

LED lights also dominate the rear of the Audi R8. The clusters include innovative new indicators which appear to perform a ‘sweeping’ movement from the inside outwards, making them more noticeable than even the latest LED indicator systems. The sweep is achieved by a horizontal row of LEDs that are illuminated in successive blocks. The latest R8 is also distinguishable from its predecessor by way of its new badge with signature Audi Sport red diamond, and by its repositioned diffusor, which in the V10 plus Coupé is made from CFRP. In all engine versions the exhaust system terminates in two round, glossy tailpipe trim sections, painted black on the R8 V10 plus.

The 2013 Model Year R8 will be available in the two solid colours Ibis White and Brilliant Red, and with four metallic and five pearl effect / crystal effect options. An additional matt effect colour is available exclusively for the R8 V10 plus. The side blades on the Coupé are offered in a choice of eight colours, and the Spyder’s soft top can be finished in either black, red or brown.

Standard equipment levels have also been boosted for the 2013 Model Year R8, particularly where V8 Coupé and Spyder models are concerned. As well as all-LED headlights and new design 19-inch alloy wheels, they gain the Audi Music Interface (iPod connection), satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and heating for their Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered sports seats. To bring them into line with the V10 Spyder, V10 Coupe models upgrade to an extended Fine Nappa Leather package which takes in elements such as the dashboard and side panels.

At the top of the range, the most driver-focused R8 V10 plus Coupe models feature numerous weight-saving Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) elements externally, in areas such as the door mirrors, side blades, front splitter and diffusor, plus lighter and even more effective carbon fibre ceramic brakes. Their glass fibre-reinforced buckets seats weigh less than their counterparts in the standard V10 versions. Exclusive 19-inch five-arm Y design double spoke alloy wheels also mark them out externally.

R8 2013 MY
Engine Trim PS Trans CO 2 Comb mpg OTR
4.2 FSI (V8) Coupe 430 manual 332 19.9 £91,575
4.2 FSI (V8) Coupe 430 S tronic 289 22.8 £94,475
5.2 FSI (V10) Coupe 525 manual 346 19.0 £112,675
5.2 FSI (V10) Coupe 525 S tronic 305 21.6 £115,575
5.2 FSI (V10 plus) Coupe 550 manual 346 19.0 £124,675
5.2 FSI (V10 plus) Coupe 550 S tronic 299 21.9 £127,575
4.2 FSI (V8) Spyder 430 manual 337 19.6 £100,225
4.2 FSI (V8) Spyder 430 S tronic 294 22.4 £103,125
5.2 FSI (V10) Spyder 525 manual 349 19.0 £121,325
5.2 FSI (V10) Spyder 525 S tronic 310 21.9 £124,225

What to watch out for

01-05-2013:

Owner bought new Audi R8 V8 manual. Could not understand why it hesitated when accelerating from 30mph in 3rd gear. Applied diagnostic sofware to the OBDII socket and discovered that the throttle mechanism was not matching the accelerator switch input from 30mph in 3rd gear. On further investigation, found that Audi had programmed the ECU to do this in order for the car to pass EC 'drive by' noise regulations at full throttle from 50kmh in 3rd gear. Owner successufully rejected the car to the supplying dealer for a full refund.

What does the Audi R8 (2007 – 2015) cost?