Overview & Reviews

The Audi R8 came about as a production version of the Le Mans Quattro concept car. The name itself references Audi's R8 racecar that won several 24 Hours of Le Mans races and encompasses the brand's 70-plus years of racing history. Performance from the R8 road car starts with a stiff and lightweight all-aluminum space frame chassis. Much of it is similar to the space frame used for the Lamborghini Gallardo. The R8 is advanced in other areas as well, with a direct-injected V8 or V10 engine with dry-sump lubrication, two-mode active dampers and, of course, all-wheel drive.

Despite being Audi's highest-performing production vehicle ever, the R8 is surprisingly comfortable enough for daily use. The R8 also boasts a roomy and high-quality interior, though it is getting a bit dated as time goes on. As far as exotic sports cars go, the R8 is one of the most livable and one that is easy to recommend.

Current Audi R8
The Audi R8 is a two-seat midengine exotic sports car available in multiple trim levels: V8 coupe and convertible (Spyder), V10 coupe and convertible, and V10 Plus coupe.

The R8 V8 features a 4.2-liter V8 making 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The R8 V10 gets a 5.2-liter V10 with 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The top-dog R8 V10 Plus coupe packs an even more powerful 5.0-liter V10 good for 550 hp and 398 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission with a gated metal shifter is standard, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (S tronic) with paddle shifters is optional. All are very quick, with 0-60 times ranging from just 3.4 to 4.5 seconds.

As with most vehicles that have the engine mounted behind the driver, the R8 possesses an abbreviated nose that is adorned with the current corporate Audi grille and LED headlights. The exotic look of the R8 coupe is further enhanced by "sideblades" (which can be either color-keyed or contrasting), that highlight the mid-mounted engine, and a glass engine cover that shows off the beautiful V8 or V10 power plant.

Standard equipment on the Audi R8 V8 includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, full LED lighting, automatic climate control, heated power seats, leather and faux suede upholstery, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. An optional package features front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and interior storage nets. The R8 V10 includes all that, as well as different suspension tuning, premium leather upholstery, a navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The R8 V10 Plus includes all the V10 coupe equipment plus a higher-output engine, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fiber trim. To trim weight, it has a smaller fuel tank and deletes the adaptive suspension and power seats.

In reviews, we've found the R8 sublimely balanced in terms of handling. It is one of those rare vehicles with enough straight-line traction and cornering grip to match its high-performance engines. It's also a relatively practical sports car, mercifully free of those questionable design elements that make some other supercars impossibly taxing in real-world use. It doesn't have goofy scissor doors, for instance, and 6-footers will fit comfortably. The Audi R8 even rides astonishingly well, thanks to its two-mode adaptive dampers. Meanwhile, the interior is typical Audi, with top-grade materials and solid construction, but the MMI electronics interface is now a generation behind and mounted somewhat awkwardly under the display screen. If there is a downside, it would be the tiny trunk and limited interior cargo spaces that make the R8 a dubious choice for road trips.

Used Audi R8 Models
The R8 debuted for the 2008 model year with the 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine only. Transmission choices were a traditional six-speed manual with a very cool gated metal shifter or Audi's six-speed R tronic single-clutch automated manual that was unrefined and caused lots of jerking about in mundane urban driving. The 525-hp 5.2-liter V10 arrived for 2010, while the following year saw the convertible "Spyder" debut and the V8 gain 10 hp. For 2012, the limited-edition R8 GT coupe was produced and it featured a 560-hp V10, a lighter curb weight and a stiffer suspension. Only 90 R8 GTs were made for the United States. There was no R8 for the 2013 model year.

These 2010 and later versions of the R8 4.2 and 5.2 are similar to today's models apart from differing in their head- and taillight designs and having the single-clutch automated manual versus the current car's smoother dual-clutch unit.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 20.00

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  No regrets - 2008 Audi R8
  By Truth - October 26 - 12:43 am

  Ive had this car nearly a year, and it earns all the accolades it has received in the extensive press coverage. It has enough power for street use even if slightly underpowered. Although it handles nearly as good as anything out there at 10/10ths, most non-professionals could likely get closer to the limits without tragedy than in other high- performance cars. Although it is borderline in power for an exotic, its appeal is definitely in the exotic category. It is also incredibly comfortable, and Ive had no problem issues in 11,000 miles. Versus its class, it has tremendous fuel economy.

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  As good as expected or better - 2008 Audi R8
  By tomdfw1 - July 18 - 9:16 am

  The car is incredible. It is so comfortable and practical (for what it is) that it could easily be a daily driver. Everywhere it goes it gets the looks and gawks of admirers while also the challneges and revs of the wannabes. Love the car...cant think of another under 400k Id rather have.

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  The Incredible R8 - 2008 Audi R8
  By R8Heaven - June 25 - 12:51 pm

  Audi got this car right! The fact that this car is mentioned in the same breath as a Porsche 911 Turbo and other high end sports cars says a lot about a car that didnt exist 2 years ago. The R8 drives like it is on rails and sticks like paint. Be prepared to be stared at in the R8 and watch as little kids point at it. The engine sounds awesome. I have considered many sports cars but $ for $ there is no better one out there. Probably why there is a 2 year wait for it. Do whatever you can and get one

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  From a twin turbo convertible - 2008 Audi R8
  By tomdfw1 - June 25 - 10:10 am

  Picked up my R8 this week after having deposit down for a year. I traded in my 04 911 turbo convertible. While I do miss the convertible, the Audis exclusivity and sense of driving is second to none. The build quality surpassed my expectations and the sound when driving the car is amazing. I let a friend drive it and when I heard the car coming down the road, it sounded like a hurricane blowing in. Amazing. Everywhere one goes it captures a crowd and the looks of this car make it the best looking car on the road in my opinion. I have always been a Porsche guy, but am thrilled.

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  Audi R8 ... awesome - 2008 Audi R8
  By HappywithmyR8 - May 2 - 5:06 pm

  This car has it all. Striking styling, elegant interior, craftsman-quality of build and mind-blowing performance and handling. After 2000 miles I am only beginning to explore the limits of this vehicle which, despite its breathtaking performance, is comfortable and driveable as an every day car. The after sales care from Audi USA and my dealership have far exceeded my expectations. It attracts unbelievable attention everywhere I go.

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  Audi R8 - 2008 Audi R8
  By Myke - March 6 - 8:43 am

  This is one amazing piece of craftsmanship. Audi has really stepped up their game far beyond what they have ever been. The only downfall is everything is a option. It made it so much more pricey. I know its money well spent, but its like Ferrari, everything is an option. The sound system, bluetooth connection, navigation system and the convenience package are all worth paying for. The performance from this vehicle is such a dream. It changes direction so effectively. The braking is okay, a little touchy, but it stops the car in short distances. Its a manufactured perfection basically.

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  Audi, unexpected elegence. - 2008 Audi R8
  By Logan D - February 5 - 5:32 pm

  This car is a dream come true. Everything about it is stylish and classy with a sort of dirty elegence. When I first sat in the drivers seat of this beauty and felt the leather I knew that this was beyond ordinary. With its superior handling and stream-lined body style this is truly a car to be appreciated.

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  My Rocket Ship - 2017 Audi R8
  By Xxx Xxxxxxx - August 12 - 5:00 am

  Went to buy new Ferrari, saw R8 and saved over $150,000, and got same performance.

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  We ove our R* spyder! - 2015 Audi R8
  By Don Dixom - March 25 - 2:19 pm

  We hope they cahnged the fact that the radio turns on every time you start the car! Otherwise, superb.