why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Audi R8

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 58 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Audi R8

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

2014 Audi R8 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Lamborghinis and Ferraris are built to inspire desire, but the Audi R8 is built to drive. The German automaker's sexy the 2-seat coupe or convertible has a posh interior loaded with technology and fitted with leather and Alcantara surfaces, resulting in a car that is as adept around a racetrack as it is soaking up endless hours of scenery. Two engine choices are available in the R8 coupe and convertible R8 Spyder: a stout 4.2-liter V8 or an even more potent, Lamborghini-sourced V10 that enables the Audi to better compete with the Porsche 911 Turbo and exotics from Italy. With a mid-mounted engine and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, the 2014 Audi R8 is a thrilling and capable supercar that looks the part.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you can afford a 6-figure price tag and want a supercar with concept-car styling, aggressive performance and a hospitable interior, the Audi R8 is an excellent choice. Perhaps more significantly, it's an exotic that's livable enough to be your daily driver.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Though Audi's all-wheel-drive system in the R8 is highly rear-biased, purists who demand rear-wheel drive will need to look elsewhere. The R8 is also a newcomer to the supercar category. Buyers who want a car with a rich sense of heritage might feel a stronger kinship with the Porsche 911.

How It Ranks

#2

out of 2

MPG

#2

out of 2

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.8 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2014

Updates for 2014 include refreshed front and rear fascias, standard LED headlights, a new dual-clutch transmission replacing the clunky old automatic and the addition of a range-topping V10 Plus model that boasts a 25 horsepower bump versus the standard V10 for a total of 550.

Driving the R8

Driving Impressions For all its power and performance the 2014 Audi R8 remains surprisingly easy to drive, even on a racetrack. The rear of the car likes to dance under very hard...

braking but during steady-state cornering the driver enjoys excellent grip along with slight and reassuring understeer, making it a formidable and fun track companion. On the street, that race-ready persona translates to precise and thrilling but manageable handling, enhanced by surprisingly civilized ride quality...for a supercar. In all environments the R8 sounds as good as it looks. The V8 is wonderful, but we are absolutely enamored with the prodigious power, brutal acceleration and raucous sound of the V10 engine in the Audi R8 5.2. A V8-powered R8 coupe will zoom from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while those with the V10 can hit that benchmark in the mid-3-second range. Convertible R8s are a tick slower.

Favorite Features

S-TRONIC 7-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
The slow shifts and jerky engagement of the R8's previous R-tronic automated manual transmission always seemed out of step with an otherwise stellar car. In stark contrast, the new-for-2014 S Tronic dual-clutch automatic performs staggeringly quick yet smooth gear changes while simultaneously improving acceleration and fuel economy.

METAL-GATED 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
As much as we like the new dual-clutch automatic, the Audi R8's manual transmission is clearly the superior choice. It presents six well-chosen ratios and the metal gate surrounding the shifter provides a satisfying "clink" with every shift.

2014 Audi R8 Details

2014 Audi R8 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Despite the racy exterior the R8's driver-oriented cabin is as luxurious and accommodating as one of Audi's high-end sedans. During a multi-day journey through the Alps the 2014 R8 proved remarkably pleasant with much credit owed to the supportive and comfortable seats. For drivers who'd rather talk to their passenger than listen to the brilliant exhaust note, the cabin remains quiet enough for easy conversations. Otherwise, the interior layout is smartly arranged with controls placed within easy reach. Cargo space isn't overflowing, but in the coupe there is two golf bags worth of space behind the front seats, supplementing the 3.5-cubic-foot compartment under the front hatch.

Exterior

The 2-seat 2012 Audi R8 is wide and low, accommodating an engine that sits in the middle of the car. Buyers can choose between hardtop and convertible Spyder body styles, the latter lacking the former's icon "sideblades" while featuring a power-folding top that operates in 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Along with standard LED headlights, the 2014 R8's taillights now feature a row of 30 LEDs that illuminate directionally outward when signaling, kind of like a Mustang but much cooler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The R8 comes standard with Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, leather/Alcantara seats, Bluetooth with a seatbelt microphone for voice commands, and a magnetic ride system that lets you chooses between comfort and sport modes. Versions with the 5.2-liter V10 come with a rearview camera, navigation and Nappa leather seats. Spyder versions have a power-folding fabric roof that can be opened or closed in 19 seconds, even while the car is in motion.

Optional Equipment

Audi R8 models can be further spruced up with add-ons like leather interior packages, diamond-pattern stitched seats, a package that clads portions of the vehicle in carbon fiber, and a black Alcantara headliner. V8 buyers might also be tempted by a very helpful parking-assistance package, which adds front and rear parking sensors as well as a backup camera, or the brilliant-sounding Bang & Olufsen audio system that is comes standard on the R8 V10.

Under the Hood

The base engine is a 4.2-liter V8 that produces a perfectly thrilling 430 horsepower. Those who crave more horsepower or an even-more-visceral engine wail will prefer the optional V10, which churns out 525 horsepower in standard guise and 550 horsepower in the lightweight V10 Plus trim. Power is routed to the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system via a smooth and precise 6-speed manual transmission or a nearly as satisfying 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. All R8 models are subject to a gas-guzzler tax.

4.2-liter V8
430 horsepower @ 7,900 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/20 mpg (manual), 14/23 mpg (automatic)

5.2-liter V10
525 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm
391 lb-ft of torque @ 6,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19 mpg (manual), 13/22 mpg (automatic)

5.2-liter V10
550 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm
398 lb-ft of torque @ 6,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19 mpg (manual), 13/22 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

A 2014 Audi R8 4.2 coupe with manual transmission starts around $119,150 while the V10 model starts at $155,450, each including destination fees and a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax. Add an extra $13,500 to the bottom line for convertible Spyder models and an additional $9,100 if you favor the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In its most expensive form, a loaded R8 V10 Plus coupe can reach beyond $185,000. At these prices, the R8 is comparable to Porsche 911 Turbo models and exotics from Aston Martin and Maserati. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price below for the most up-to-date pricing of the Audi R8 in your area. Down the road, we expect the R8 to have a slightly lower resale value than the Porsche.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Audi R8 vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

2014 Audi R8 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 21 Ratings for the 2008 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.1/10

Dream car. great exotic for the money

By dave (MD) on Wednesday, June 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, performance, styling, and comfort"

Cons: "wind buffeting with windows down, limited storage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Italian styling with German engineering. This is an exotic car with super great performance and extremely confortable to drive. Not much lugage room and some wind buffeting with windows down. Otherwise, a great supercar that will satisfy your ever need. Dave"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Customer service from Audi still lags!

By Targhee on Thursday, June 02, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great driving car. Take some driving lessons from a pro first."

Cons: "Customer service is still like a GM or Ford."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love the driving experience and all that goes with it. I wasn't prepared for the wow factor and how it attracts people to look, watch, talk or want to challenge you on the road. Sorry to the challengers. Not even close. I have been disappointed with the customer service. Compared to Mercedes and the AMG service and experience, it makes me feel like I am driving a Toyota or Ford. If you can deal with the service issues and their short sighted view of a customer vs. A long term client you'll enjoy the car. I love it but I am selling because they pushed me to far on a service and warranty issue. Don't upgrade or modify. It invalidates your warranty. No wiggle room!"

14 people out of 16 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great bang for the buck.

By Car Enthusiast on Saturday, March 26, 2011

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

"So, with a space frame and an engine derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, for a fraction of the price this car is a great buy for someone who enjoys the best car for the best price. The styling to me is honestly a lot better than the Gallardo, this car has superb styling that seems to of been brought from the future. I just wish it had a more luxurious interior, the navigation system wasn't very well designed, as opposed to the BMW iDrive system, and the air conditioning styling can be found in the BMW e36 90's 3 series. I believe that the price can accommodate some nicer ergonomics and styling on the interior, the nappa leather is a must. Over all, this car is a great buy. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a great handling car, both at the track, and every day to work and back."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Heck yeah!

By Das Auto (Somewhere you cant find ;3) on Friday, July 09, 2010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"this is the most amazing and affordable super car on the market! I test drove the V10 5.2 quattro and nearly lost myself in the sheer awesomeness of this car! I felt like I could beat anything the world threw at me!"

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Even looks quick

By Joey (Milwaukee,WI) on Saturday, November 07, 2009

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

"Traded the Viper in for the V10 R8. It hauls and it can corner. AWD is a big plus like on all Audi's. Interior ison the small side. looks."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Awesome Drive

By Son of R8 Owner (Canada) on Tuesday, June 16, 2009

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"Nothing bad about this car at all! So much raw power, and everyone has to stop and look at it. It's so beautiful and stylin'. Not one bad thing to say about it, if you can afford it I definitely recommend purchasing one. 6 / 5 Stars!!!"

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 21 reviews