The 2-seat, mid-engine R8 sports car is offered in Coupe and Spyder body styles, in V8, V10 and V10 Plus trims. The 4.2L V8 produces 430 hp and 317 ft-lb of torque, while the 5.2L V10 delivers 525 hp and 391 ft-lb. In the V10 Plus, that same engine cranks out 550 hp and 398 ft-lb. Audi states that the V10 Plus coupe is capable of hitting 60 mph in just 3.7, on its way to a 198-mph top speed. All engines are paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, while an all-new dual-clutch S-Tronic automated manual transmission is optional. The unit improves shift times by up to 0.3 seconds over the previous single-clutch R-Tronic. The new gearbox includes Audi launch control, which helps provide a perfect quick launch from a standing start, and all R8 models benefit from quattro all-wheel drive.
R8 Spyder convertible models come with a power soft-top roof that can be closed or opened in just 19 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 19 mph. The roof also features triple-layer insulation, a carbon-fiber cover and a heated rear window. All R8 coupe models include a glass window over the lighted engine bay, while Spyder models come with a vented aluminum cover. Spyder models also have different side air intakes.
The interior of the R8 is a luxurious place. The arched, cockpit-style instrument panel of this two-seater allows quite a bit of interior space -- enough for taller drivers. The 8-way power adjustable seats come upholstered in soft Nappa leather or suede-like Alcantara, and the interior can be customized with various trims and inlays. Standard features include automatic climate control, a multi-function sport steering wheel, Audi concert radio with seven speakers, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and more. V10 models add Audi Navigation with real-time traffic information, as well as a 465-watt, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety isn't skimped either, even though the R8 is first and foremost a world-class exotic sports car. Front airbags, seat-mounted side bags, and knee airbags are all included and the aluminum space frame construction plays a role in keeping occupants secure.
Exotic-car Looks
Blistering Performance
Luxury-car Appointments
Exclusivity
Impressive Display Of Audi's Advanced Engineering
Inexpensive Compared To The Competition
For 2014, Audi's flagship R8 supercar receives a few notable updates. While the potent V8 and V10 engines carry over, a new optional S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission replaces the single-clutch R-Tronic unit, providing for a smoother, faster shifting experience. Additionally, a new R8 V10 Plus model replaces the R8 V10 GT, with an even more powerful engine that produces 550 hp, a 25-hp bump over the standard R8. Audi claims a top speed of 198 mph for the new trim.
Audi's R8 coupe and Spyder are exotic cars without the fuss; they have the interior comfort and appointments of a luxury coupe, along with an impressive list of features, yet they're nearly as quick as (and far, far less expensive than) the Lamborghini Gallardo models with which they're closely related. They're also distinctive and unmistakable in their own right, with an advanced all-wheel-drive system that maximizes handling and performance in all conditions. Considering the Lamborghini heritage and all the practical positives, the Audi looks like quite the deal.
