After sitting out 2013, Audi’s exotic sports car returns with a slightly different look and some key mechanical improvements. As before, it’s one of the few passenger cars of any type available with a V10 engine.
An all-new R8 is due for 2015—if you want the latest and greatest, you may want to wait. If, however, you want a good deal on a supercar you can treat as a daily driver, the 2014 might be for you.
Besides revised model names, the R8 carries fresh front-end styling, a new automated manual transmission and weight-saving tweaks for enhanced performance.
The mid-engine R8 comes standard with all-wheel drive and numerous light-weight aluminum body components. You have two engine choices: a 430-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 or a 5.2-liter V8 with 525 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with either engine, but you can opt for a seven-speed double-clutch automated manual known as S tronic. All models are available in coupe and convertible body styles.
The lineup is splint into V8 and V10 models:
It's an entry-level car, yes, but one with a price tag well above $100,000. So the V8 comes well-equipped with an adaptive air suspension, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, full LED lighting, a leather and faux suede interior, an electrically operated soft top (convertible), Bluetooth phone and audio, and a seven-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio. The Convenience Package adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power-folding side mirrors and interior storage nets.
Brace yourself for a serious price jump—measured in the tens of thousands—and enjoy the V10's extra power and specific suspension tuning and wheels. You'll also get a premium all-leather interior, navigation, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and the contents of the Convenience Package.
The ultimate R8 comes with a higher-output engine (550 horsepower), carbon-ceramic brakes and various carbon-fiber trim pieces. To reduce weight, the V10 plus carries a smaller fuel tank and deletes the adaptive suspension and power seats.
Most of the V10’s non-performance upgrades are available on the V8 at extra cost.
