What Is the 2015 Audi R8?
The 2015 Audi R8 is a two-seat, mid-engine sports car that competes with the Ferrari 458, Dodge Viper, Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R and Maserati GranTurismo. Trim levels include the 4.2, 5.2, 5.2 Plus, 5.2 Carbon and 5.2 Competition. The numbers reflect engine size: 4.2 refers to a 4.2-liter V-8, while 5.2 is a 5.2-liter V-10. Both traditional coupe and Spyder (soft-top convertible) body styles are available.
What's New on the 2015 Audi R8?
The 2015 Audi R8 introduces some new options, including a diamond-stitched Alcantara headliner and sport exhaust for models with the V-10 and an automatic transmission.
How Does the 2015 Audi R8 Compare to Other Coupes?
While the 2015 Audi R8 is undeniably a supercar, with supercar power and supercar speed, it also has a milder side that competitors like the Nissan GT-R don't. This isn't a car that feels wound up all the time; it's as at home in more casual driving settings as it is on a track.
Fuel economy is not a strong point for any V-10 supercar, but for what it's worth, the automatic R8 5.2 Plus offers an EPA-estimated 13/22/16 mpg city/highway combined, which is slightly better than the Maserati GranTurismo (13/21/16 mpg) and slightly worse than the Nissan GT-R (16/23/19 mpg) and Porsche 911 Turbo S (17/24/20 mpg).
In terms of interior appointments and comfort, the Audi R8 doesn't distinguish itself much — for good or ill – compared with competing models. Cargo space is, however, the model's Achilles' heel; it offers a dedicated cargo area up front that's only 3.5 cubic feet. That's less than the 911's 4.1 cubic feet and pales in comparison to the GT-R's 8.8 cubic feet and the GranTurismo's 9.2 cubic feet.
What Features in the 2015 Audi R8 Are Most Important?
The 2015 Audi R8 comes standard with a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 430 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque; this engine comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Every Audi R8 is equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. Optional engines include a 5.2-liter V-10 that makes either 525 hp and 391 pounds-feet of torque or 550 hp and 398 pounds-feet. Ceramic brakes and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters are also available.
Other significant standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, sideblade air intakes behind the doors, a transparent canopy behind the seats that shows off the engine, dual exhaust tips, a power-extendable rear spoiler, leather and Alcantara sport seats, a six-CD changer and Bluetooth connectivity. Notable available features include carbon-fiber trim, a Bang & Olufsen stereo and a navigation system with Audi's Multi Media Interface.
As is required in all new cars, the 2015 Audi R8 comes equipped with antilock brakes, front airbags and an electronic stability system. The R8 also features knee airbags and seat-mounted side-impact airbags.
Should I Buy the 2015 Audi R8?
The 911 Turbo S can easily keep pace with the Audi R8 under any driving conditions, and the GT-R is significantly more affordable than the Audi, but the 2015 R8's looks are stunningly distinct. Stylistically, it's nearly the platonic ideal of a supercar, and if that's what you're looking for, you may have found your match – as long as you don't plan on bringing too much stuff with you.
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