2012 Audi R8

Basic Specs

Base Price $114,200
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3605
City (MPG) 11
Hwy (MPG) 20
Horsepower 430@7900
Torque (lb-ft) 316@4500
Wheelbase 104.3
Length (in.) 174.5
Width (in.) 79.9
Height (in.) 49.3

Audi first unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year, and the model has continued largely unchanged in base trim, though Audi has since added Spyder (convertible) and V10 variants to the R8 lineup.

The base 4.2 R8 has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and starts at $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.

The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.

Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.

Interior
The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.

With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

The drivetrain
At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-meters from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.

The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the center console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.

The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.

Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.

The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Equipment and trim
Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.

Craftsmanship
The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built is up to quality standards.

Key Competitors
Those in the market for an exotic performance car like the R8 should also consider the tastefully-styled Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the potent Porsche 911 Turbo as well as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which can't match the interior refinement of the Audi but serves up prodigious amounts of horsepower.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style:Coupe
    • Size:Compact
    • Market Segment:Luxury
    • Weight:3605 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length:174.5 in.
    • Width:79.9 in.
    • Height:49.3 in.
    • Wheelbase:104.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance:TBD
    • Front Track:64.3 in.
    • Rear Track:62.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution:TBD
    • Drag Coefficient:0.34
    • Interior - General
    • Seats:2
    • Passenger Volume:TBD
    • Cargo Volume:3.53 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded):TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume:TBD
    • Leg Room:TBD
    • Head Room:TBD
    • Shoulder Room:TBD
    • Hip Room:TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type:Gas
    • Engine Type:4.2L V8
    • Power:430 hp @ 7900 rpm
    • Torque:316 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
    • Transmission:6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy:20 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy:11 mpg
    • Forced Induction:None
    • Direct Injection:Yes
    • Chassis
    • Layout:All Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension:Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension:Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front:19" Aluminum
    • Front Tires:TBD
    • Rear:19" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires:TBD
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight:TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight:TBD

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Packages

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      Convenience Package

      • The R8 Convenience Package enhances the driving experience with a number of convenient features such as the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi hill hold assist, auto-dimming heated/folding exterior mirrors, and storage options. Package contents:
      • Power-folding, auto-dimming, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
      • Audi hill hold assist
      • Audi parking system plus with rearview camera
      • Storage Package

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      Leather Package

      • The Leather Package includes Fine Nappa Leather seats, door inserts and door handles in leather. Choose among Black, Limestone Gray, Luxor Beige, Tuscan Brown, or Red.

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      Enhanced Leather Package

      • The Enhanced Leather Package includes Fine Nappa Leather seats, door inserts and door handles in leather as well as extended Black leather elements, including the dashboard, the cowl above the instrument cluster (monoposto) and the upper door trim. Available colors include Black, Limestone Gray, Luxor Beige, Tuscan Brown or Red.

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      Enhanced Black Leather Package w/ Contrast Stitching

      • Adds contrast stitching to the seats, monoposto, knee pad, and instrument cluster.

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      Titanium Package

      • Inspired by the Audi motorsport legacy, this package includes a number of aesthetic and performance enhancements. Exterior elements include Exhaust tailpipes in black, iconic black singleframe® grille and 19 inch five-arm titanium-finish wheels with summer performance tires . Inside, the Titanium Package carries through the performance-look with a black Alcantara headliner as well as Piano Black inlays.

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      MMI Navigation plus w/ Audi Music Interface

      • MMI Navigation plus features a 6.5", full-color LCD screen and MMI control logic. A color driver information system, real-time traffic, and navigation through audible route guidance and graphics are included. The Audi music interface offers intelligent integration with the iPod. Categories songs and artists, along with full iPod controls are available through the MMI screen.

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      MMI Navigation Plus w/ 6-disc CD Changer

      • MMI Navigation plus features a 6.5", full-color LCD screen and MMI control logic. A color driver information system, real-time traffic, and navigation through audible route guidance and graphics are included.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Exterior Package

      • Carbon fiber front lower spoiler and diffuser creates a definitively sporty look to the of the Audi R8.

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    Wheels

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      19" 5-arm double-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels w/ 235/35 front & 295/30 rear summer performance tires

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      19" 5-arm double-spoke polished forged aluminum alloy wheels w/ 235/35 front & 305/30 rear summer performance tires

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      19" 5-arm double-spoke Titanium-finish forged aluminum alloy wheels w/ 235/35 front & 305/30 rear summer performance tires

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      19" 5-arm double-spoke Titanium-finish forged aluminum alloy wheels w/ 235/35 front & 295/305 rear summer performance tires

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    Options

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      Oxygen Silver Sideblade

      • An iconic feature of the Audi R8 are the sideblades. The Oxygen Silver sideblade exudes power, performance and distinction.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Sideblade

      • An iconic feature of the Audi R8 is the sideblade. The Carbon Fiber Sigma sideblade makes a bold statement.

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      Body color sideblade

      • Replaces the standard color sideblade with one that matches the exterior vehicle of your R8.

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      Ceramic brakes

      • Lightweight, ventilated ceramic brake discs to all four wheels, 380mm discs at front, 356mm at rear, 6-piston monobloc anthracite colored brake calipers with ‘Audi ceramic’ inscription to front calipers.

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      Perforated leather wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel

      • The leather-wrapped, three-spoke design has a sporty look and feel made of magnesium with race inspired flat bottom design and perforated leather. The multifunction steering wheel provides easy access to Bluetooth-enabled phone, audio volume and seek functions.

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      Bang & Olufsen Sound System

      • The Bang & Olufsen Sound System includes 12 speakers with 465 digitally amplified watts and surround sound reproduction. The microphone-based noise compensation ensures optimum sound under varying road conditions and speeds.

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      Black Alcantara Headliner

      • The Black Alcantara headliner offers a lush and soft-to-the-touch feel creating an additional level of luxury to the Audi R8

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      Piano Black Interior Inlays

      • The sophisticated Piano Black interior inlays establish a sense of distinctive performance to the interior of the Audi R8.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Interior Inlays

      • The use of Carbon Fiber Sigma inlays creates a definitively sporty look to the interior of the Audi R8.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Exterior Mirrors

      • The Carbon Fiber Sigma enhance the exterior appearance of the Audi R8.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Engine Compartment Cover

      • The carbon fiber sigma engine compartment cover calls attention to the superlative performance of the Audi R8.

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      Carbon Fiber Sigma Door Sill Inserts

      • The Carbon Fiber Sigma door sill inserts complement the stylish lines of the R8, adding a touch of elegance to the vehicle.

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      Illuminated door sill inserts

      • The stylish sill plates provide protection and complement the overall interior excellence of the vehicle.

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      Full LED Headlight system

      • The R8 features an available full LED headlight system. High beam, low beam, daytime running lights and turn signals all offer brilliant illumination, long service life and low energy consumption.

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