Exotic styling and performance; thrilling V8 and V10 engines; everyday drivability; available gated manual shifter; new S Tronic transmission is a big improvement
Outdated MMI controls; lacks the astounding acceleration of some rivals
The big news for the 2014 R8 is the debut of Audi's S Tronic dual-clutch automated manual transmission, which replaces the single-clutch, lurch-proneR Tronicgearbox. There are also some subtle styling tweaks, including new LED headlights and taillights. Inside, diamond-stitchedNappa leather is available.
The V10 gets all the press, but the cheaper V8 sounds fantastic and is fast in its own right. We'd get the V8 Spyder with the sweet 6-speed manual for maximum visceral thrills.Find a Audi R8 for sale
The 2014 Audi R8 is offered in V8, V10 and V10 Plus trim levels. The V8 and V10 are available in both coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles, while the V10 Plus is coupe-only. All trims start with a 6-speed manual transmission. The dual-clutchS Tronic automatic will run you a few grand more.
The V8 coupe($116,150) comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive adjustable-modesuspension, LED headlights, LED taillights, fog lights, heated side mirrors, quad exhaust tips, an adaptive rear spoiler, LED engine-compartment lighting, a flat-bottomsteering wheel, automatic climate control, a manual tilt/telescopic steering column, leather/Alcantara upholstery, 8-way power heated seats, Bluetooth and a 7-speaker audio system with a 6-CD changer and satellite radio.
The V8 Spyder($129,650) substitutes a power-folding fabric roof.
The V10 coupe($152,450) boasts unique exterior trim, Nappaleather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, a rearviewcamera, a navigation system and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The V10 Spyder($165,950) gets the V10 coupe's features along with the power-folding fabric roof.
Aside from the V10's subtle exterior differences, its extra standard features can optionally be added to either V8 model. All of theabove models are also eligible for customization, including unique color combinations with the R8's distinctive side-blade panel inserts.
The hardcore, track-ready V10 Plus coupe($171,795) offers more power, a fixed (non-adjustable) sport-optimized suspension, a smaller fuel tank, carbon ceramic brakes (optional on other R8s) and manual sport seats.
| Convertible | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 2dr Conv Auto quattro Spyder V10 | $173,800 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 525 | 13 / 22 | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Conv Auto quattro Spyder V8 | $137,500 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 430 | 14 / 23 | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Conv Man quattro Spyder V10 | $164,700 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 525 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Conv Man quattro Spyder V8 | $128,400 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 430 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| Coupe | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 2dr Cpe Auto quattro V10 | $160,300 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 525 | 13 / 22 | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Cpe Auto quattro V10 plus | $179,645 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 550 | 13 / 22 | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Cpe Auto quattro V8 | $124,000 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 430 | 14 / 23 | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Cpe Man quattro V10 | $151,200 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 525 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Cpe Man quattro V10 plus | $170,545 / N/A | 10 Cylinder | 550 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| R8 2dr Cpe Man quattro V8 | $114,900 / N/A | 8 Cylinder | 430 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 7-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
The 2014 R8 comes with 4-wheel anti-lockdisc brakes, stability control, six airbags (front, front side, knee) and hill-hold assist.
Like other high-performance sports cars, the R8 has not been crash-tested.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 12 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Maintenance | 1 Years/5,000 Miles |
Chevrolet Corvette-- Starting at less than half the price of an R8, the C7 Corvette coupe and convertible should give some Audi shoppers pause with their astonishing bang for the buck.
Nissan GT-R-- Nissan's top-dog sports car has been getting more and more expensive, but it's also more capable than ever before. It remains a bargain compared to the R8.
Porsche 911 -- If anything, the 911 is even more livable on a daily basis than the R8, though it lacks the Audi's superhero handling and exotic engines.
The original Audi R8 may just have been the most successful halo car of all time. Here's why.