German-based Audi AG first built the R8 as a racing car in 2000. The company raced this version of the R8 in Europe and Japan, where it won a number of competitions. In 2006, Audi turned the R8 racer into a mid-engine sports car for the commercial market, which it made available in North America in 2008. Audi offers the R8 in three styles: the base model R8, the R8 GT and the R8 Spyder convertible.
Standard Features
Audi equips all models of the R8 with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system that transfers power to all four wheels during driving. All models also use Audi's magnetic ride system. This push-button feature enables the drivers to modify the suspension and handling settings for better performance under different conditions. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard on both the R8 base and R8 GT.
Engine
The R8 engine varies by model. Audi installs its 4.2-liter displacement V8 in the base model R8. This engine generates 420 horsepower at 7,800 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 317 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. An Audi R8 equipped with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and earns an estimated fuel economy of 12 miles per gallon (mpg) during city driving and 19 mpg when driven on the highway.
Audi equips both the R8 GT and R8 Spyder with a 5.2-liter displacement V10. This engine cranks out 525 horses at 8,000 rpm and 391 foot-pounds of torque at 6,500 rpm. According to Audi's website, the R8 GT can race from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds while the R8 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.0 seconds. Both of these models achieve an estimated 12 mpg during city driving and 19 mpg when driven on the highway.
Safety Features
Audi incorporates into all models of its R8 its patented ASF, or Audi Space Frame design. The body of each car using ASF consists of a high-strength aluminum frame designed for greater crash protection at a lower weight. Each model of the R8 also includes a number of airbags for driver and passenger crash protection, including airbags mounted at the level of the knee, head and thorax.
Luxury
All models of the R8 include heated leather power seats that provide 10-way adjustment and lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control and power doors and windows. The R8 models also come equipped with Sirius satellite radio, integrated Bluetooth with a microphone built into the driver's seatbelt and Audi's MMI in-dash navigation system. Audi equips the R8 GT and R8 Spyder with a few additional features, such as a parking-assist rear-mounted camera, customized Silk Nappa leather seats and a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.
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