By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 1, 2008Vehicle Overview
This sports car is named after Audi's five-time Le Mans-winning racecar. Like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo with which it competes, the R8 has a mid-mounted engine. Featuring a weight-saving aluminum body and Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi says the R8 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 185 mph.
New for 2009
Bluetooth phone interface and a six-disc CD changer are standard, and a new version of the 19-inch wheels is available.
Exterior
The front end of the R8 is dominated by air intake grates and Audi's trapezoidal grille. Distinguishing features include sideblade air intakes behind the doors that route air to the V-8 engine. Rectangular LED taillights are standard, and a power-extendable rear spoiler provides additional downforce at high speeds. The R8 measures 174.5 inches long, 75 inches wide and 49.3 inches tall. It stands taller than the Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it falls between the two in both length and width.
- Nineteen-inch alloy wheels standard
- Optional carbon fiber sideblade
- Optional LED headlights
- Transparent canopy in rear allows view of the engine
- Quad exhaust pipes
Interior
The R8's two-person cabin has standard sport seats covered in leather or Alcantara fabric and leather. A navigation system with Audi's Multi Media Interface system is available. MMI controls vehicle settings via a knob and buttons on the center of the dashboard. Audi says there's room for two golf bags behind the rear seats, and the small front trunk measures 3.5 cubic feet.
- Standard six-CD changer
- Flat-bottom steering wheel for easier entry and exit
- Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface
- Homelink garage-door opener now standard
- Available carbon fiber interior trim
- Available carbon fiber engine compartment trim
- Available Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Available rearview camera
Under the Hood
The 4.2-liter V-8 engine makes 420 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque. The R8 has an adaptive four-wheel-independent suspension. Similar to General Motors' Magnetic Ride Control, the Audi Magnetic Ride system can pass an electrical charge through the shocks' fluid to instantly change its damping properties. One of two modes, one geared toward performance and the other designed for comfort, can be selected by the driver.
- Quattro all-wheel drive
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Optional R tronic sequential manual with automatic mode
- R tronic can be shifted by console lever or steering-wheel paddles
- Weight distribution is 44 percent front and 56 percent rear
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with traction control
- Electronic stability system
- Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Knee airbags
- Front seat belt pretensioners
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Joe Wiesenfelder | Cars.com National | November 4, 2008 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | August 1, 2008 |
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