This two-seat mid-engine sports car is named after an Audi Le Mans-winning racecar and is available as a coupe or Spyder roadster. Like the Lamborghini Gallardo with which it competes, the R8 has a mid-mounted engine. It features a weight-saving aluminum body and Quattro all-wheel drive, and both the coupe and R8 Spyder roadster are available with an optional V-10 engine.
New for 2014 Audi’s halo car gets an exterior refresh complete with new LED headlamp and taillight designs, revised side mirrors and oval tailpipes. Inside, newly available diamond-stitched leather is offered and the available shift paddles are larger. A new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission is optional.
At the top of the R8 range is the new V10 Plus. Offered only as a coupe, the V10 Plus makes 550 horsepower and 398 pounds-feet of torque. The car weighs about 130 pounds less than the R8 V10 thanks to ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber body pieces, a smaller fuel tank, manual-adjustable seats and less sound insulation in the engine bay. Audi claims the V10 Plus can hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds with the available S tronic transmission, or 3.7 seconds with the conventional six-speed manual.
Exterior Highlights
Sideblade air intakes behind doors; carbon-fiber finish is available
19-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights and taillights
Power-extendable rear spoiler
Transparent canopy behind the seats provides view of the engine
Dual exhaust tips
Interior Highlights
Standard sport seats in either leather or Alcantara simulated suede
Room for two golf bags behind the two seats
Six-CD changer and Bluetooth connectivity; Bang & Olufsen stereo optional
Navigation system with Audi’s Multi Media Interface
Optional flat-bottom steering wheel for easier entry and exit
Optional carbon fiber trim
Under the Hood
Standard 4.2-liter V-8 engine makes 430 hp and 316 pounds-feet of torque
Available 5.2-liter V-10 makes 525 hp and 391 pounds-feet of torque
Available 5.2-liter V-10 makes 550 hp and 398 pounds-feet of torque
Quattro all-wheel drive
Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension
Standard six-speed manual gearbox
Optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with shift paddles
Optional ceramic brakes
Safety Features
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with traction control
Electronic stability system
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags
Knee airbags
R8 SpyderThe R8 Spyder roadster has a power soft-top that can open or close in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The R8 Spyder has all-wheel drive and powertrain choices mostly mirror the coupe.
Shares the changes that the R8 coupe sees for 2014
V10 Plus model not offered in Spyder body style
Unique vents in place of coupe’s see-through engine cover
