Audi’s R8 is kind of like the girl (or guy) next door- if you lived in a movie. It’s pretty much a supermodel trying to act like a normal person, or car. But we all know what it really is. Dubbed an everyday supercar (huh?), the A8 costs about $100,000 less than most other exotics. But let’s go back to the everyday part. It’ll work if you don’t mind just 2 seats, about 15 combined MPG (with Premium fuel), and a trunk as small as Ryan Seacrest. And the price, starting at $114,000, will still break most piggy banks. But those in the market won’t mind any of what I just said, so on we go.
Here is the 2012 Audi R8, Earth’s most accessible supercar.
Audi R8 Trims and Features
The 2012 R8 is a 2-seat exotic sports car that competes with the best of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and so on. Audi offers a few versions of their pride and joy: three engine choices separate the 4.2, 5.2, and 5.2 GT versions of the R8, each with both coupe and convertible options, the latter of which Audi calls the Spyder. R8 traits include an aerodynamically designed shell made from lightweight materials, an attractive and comfortable cabin, and available features like ceramic brakes and additional carbon fiber components. Options for the R8 are many, though they tend to add up quickly. The R8 GT acts more like a traditional supercar, with price tags starting at $196,000 for the Coupe and $213,000 for the Spyder, which may already be here by the time you read this. If that excites you, act quickly: Audi is releasing just 50 GT Spyders onto US soil, compared to a whopping 90 initial versions of the GT Coupe, already released.
Build your R8 the right way, right now.
Audi R8 Performance
Audi offers a couple of performance driven engines which are mid-mounted to facilitate balance. Every version features Audi’s quattro full-time all-wheel drive, though much of the power goes to the back wheels to provide better handling. The 4.2 R8 Coupe & Spyder house a 4.2 liter V8 capable of 430 horsepower and 316 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 5.2 editions of each upgrade to a 5.2 liter- read carefully- V10 that produces 525 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. Either engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, with the 6-speed R tronic automatic optional. R tronic features manual shift paddles and launch control. Those looking to become the next Stig will appreciate the R8 GT’s 560 horsepower, 398 lb.-ft. version of the V10. R tronic is the only transmission choice here, but it’ll get you 0-60 in 3.6 seconds.
Audi R8 Fuel Economy
So you want more supercar numbers? 4.2 R8 engines achieve either 11/20/14 (city/highway/combined) MPG with the manual, or 13/21/16 with R tronic. 5.2 editions manage 12/19/14 with a manual and 13/19/15 for R tronic, the latter numbers also fitting the GT.
Audi R8 Interior Highlights
Overall, the R8 boasts an attractive, high quality cabin experience. As mentioned, Audi has developed the most livable supercar, but that doesn’t mean it is ideal for everyone. First off, trunk space is only 3.5 cubic feet, and even though there’s a ledge behind the Coupe’s seats for a few more things (3.18 cubes), you’ll want to travel light. Beyond luggage room, everything’s like a cloud. That is to say, comfortable seats, a mostly quiet ride, and enough move-around room await the lucky few- limit 2 per car. A few reviews note the sometimes unfriendly/awkward navigation controls and a low profile that’s tough to get in and out of, but that would be nitpicking.
Audi R8 Safety
R8 standards include antilock disc brakes, stability control, and both driver/passenger knee airbags. Options include ceramic brakes (for wear resistance), parking sensors and a rearview camera, which may help due to disputed rear visibility issues. Crash testing has not been performed on the R8, though it’s common for cars of this stature.
Audi R8’s Bottom Line
For a so-called bargain supercar, the R8 manages enough exoticism without many of the pesky nuisances of its infinitely more expensive brethren. I guess it is all in the balance. Either way, the R8 is a great car. The 2012 Audi R8. Come find your cloud at Carwoo.
