2012 Audi R8

2012 Audi R8

The Audi R8 is available as both a Coupe and Spyder, wîth each style offering two levels of power – a 4.2-liter FSI® V8 or a 5.2-liter FSI V10. The V8 generates 430 hp at 7,900 rpm, wîth 316 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 – 6,000 rpm, while the 5.2 liter achieves 525 hp at 8,000 rpm wîth 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Either version can be paired wîth a manual or automatic R tronic® transmission. The R tronic provides extremely quick shifting and can be controlled by paddle shifters on the §teering wheel. Audi launch control also is featured wîth the R tronic, allowing for faster starts by controlling slip. The quattro® all-wheel-drive system is standard and ensures additional grip for all driving situations and surfaces.

The ASF® technology makes the R8 relatively lightweight while maintaining an extremely rigid frame to enhance performance. The unmistakable exterior design, wîth its low stance and forward cockpit, contribute to the dynamic look of the R8. A fully enclosed diffuser underbody minimizes lift, and the automatically-deployed rear spoiler ensures that sufficient downforce is deployed. Beautifully designed and prominent sideblades incorporate the air intakes that draw attention to the mid-engine design of the coupe. The engine packaging is meticulously designed to make the view through the glass covered coupe hatch a delight, while aluminum optic engine cooling vents adorn the Spyder.

The R8 Spyder delivers a holistic exterior design wîth integrated side air intakes that replace the sideblades in order to accommodate the soft top roof. The soft top opens and closes neatly in 19 seconds at up to speeds of 31 mph. The soft top enables tighter packaging when folded and lowers the center of gravity versus a hard top convertible design. The cover for the top is made of a carbon fiber composite, further reducing weight, while triple layer insulation minimizes cabin noise and insulates against cold and heat. The heated rear glass window is integrated into the bulkhead and can be raised and lowered via a switch. An aluminum optic A-pillar and windshield surround add a unique design element visible primarily when the top is down.

Price: $114,200 – 196,800.
Invoice: $106,206 – 183,024.

The interior of the R8 fully complements the exterior. Sleek and artful, the most prominent feature of the R8 interior is the monoposto design that features a large arch sweeping around the dashboard. With the wheels pushed to far corners of the R8, its maximized wheelbase provides a comparatively generous amount of interior space. Seats are constructed of either leather / Alcantara® for the 4.2 or Nappa leather in the 5.2. Thermal-resistant leather used for seats in the Spyder lowers the surface temperature by up to 68 degrees on hot, sunny days. Available leather options abound, allowing owners to customize the R8 to their personal tastes. Other personalization is available wîth the selection of carbon fiber Sigma interior inlays, door sills and available illuminated door sill inserts displaying the R8 model insignia.

The R8 features advanced technologies for which Audi has become known, including available Audi MMI®, available Audi MMI Navigation plus, and an available Bang & Olufsen® Sound System. The Bluetooth® microphone of the Spyder is integrated into the seatbelt to minimize wind noise while speaking via the Bluetooth system.ASF construction increases stability and provides an extremely rigid body shell, plus specially constructed front and rear energy absorbing zones provide protection in the event of a collision. ESC contributes to stability, and vehicle occupants are protected by a full complement of air bags, including front, seat and chest side, and knee airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system ensures that owners are warned if pressure falls below a preset threshold.

Body and Interior

The forward-thrust cockpit and the engine compartment behind it are key to the proportions of the R8. Large wheel wells and hungry air inlets visualize its potential, while the upright sideblade structures the flank. LED headlights are standard in ten-cylinder R8 models and available as an option for the eight-cylinder version. The body of the R8 is largely hand-built at the craft-scale production shop at the Neckarsulm site. Featuring an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), it tips the scales at just 210 kilograms (462.97 lb) – ultra-lightweight construction in the extreme. The fully-enclosed diffuser underbody and the rear spoiler that slides out automatically help ensure that the R8 generates downforce at high speeds.

The key element of the interior is the monoposto, a large arc sweeping around the dashboard instruments. The relatively long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft) allows for generous interior space. There is space for two golf bags behind the seats, and the luggage compartment under the front hatch offers an additional 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) of storage capacity. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro comes standard wîth Fine Nappa leather appointments, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the navigation system plus. The optional bucket seats from the Audi exclusive range exude concentrated racing style.

Drive

Two high-tech engines are available for the Audi R8. Both reflect the wealth of expertise which helped to fuel Audi’s numerous racing triumphs. The V8 and the V10 combine FSI gasoline direct injection wîth dry sump lubrication and a high-revving concept. Both captivate wîth their power, their responsiveness and their musical sound. The eight-cylinder unit launches the R8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 302 km/h (187.65 mph). The V10 is a touch faster, wîth a time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph).

Engine

The engines’ power flows to either a six-speed manual transmission or the R tronic controlled in this case via either a joystick on the center console or paddles on the §teering wheel. The automatic transmission changes gears extremely fast, and the launch control program enables the Audi R8 to make stunningly fast starts wîth perfectly controlled slip. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is tailored to the mid-engine concept wîth a rear-biased axle load distribution, sending roughly 85 percent of the power to the rear wheels in the standard distribution. The heart of the system is a viscous coupling at the front axle, which can transfer up to 30 percent of the torque to the front within milliseconds, if needed.

Chassis

The chassis of the Audi R8 is just as well suited for blasting through corners as it is for casual cruising. Aluminum double wishbones locate the wheels up front and at the back. The setup for the R8 wîth V10 engine is somewhat stiffer than for the R8 4.2 FSI. The top model comes standard wîth 19-inch wheels. All four floating brake discs are internally vented and perforated. A total of 24 pistons clamp down on them. The optional carbon fiber-ceramic brakes are extremely lightweight, strong, and durable. The Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber system is standard in the R8 5.2 FSI quattro and an option wîth the V8.

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder has its own unique touches. It does not include the storage space behind the seats and sideblades on the flanks. The rear side panels and the large cover over the compartment for the top are made of a carbon-fiber composite. Two cowls extending to the spoiler lip give the long back of the car a powerful profile. Typically Audi, the top is made of cloth, which keeps the total weight and the vehicle’s center of gravity low. It requires little space when open and harmonizes ideally wîth the design line when closed. With the standard hydraulic motor, the soft top opens and closes within 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). It is perfectly suitable for high-speed driving on the highway and is very quiet.

The separate wind deflector can be installed in just two steps. The heated glass rear window is integrated into the bulkhead separately and can be raised and lowered via a switch. The bulkhead also includes integrated rollover protection. The Spyder’s ASF body is reinforced in key areas, yet weighs just six kilograms (13.23 lb) more than that of the R8 Coupé. The leather seats of the open two-seater are specially pigmented to reduce heating as a result of the sun’s rays. Among the other options is the seatbelt microphone for the hands-free unit, which makes it possible to talk on the phone wîth the top down on the highway. Integrated into the belts are three small microphones; a fourth is mounted on the windshield frame. The seat belt microphone is also available for the R8 Coupé.