User Guide

Heritage

Audi has always enjoyed an enviable track record in the world of motorsport. An unrivalled

combination of passion, determination, expertise and Vorsprung durch Technik has helped

propel the four rings of Audi past finishing line after finishing line. With the introduction of the

revolutionary quattro

all-wheel-drive technology in the early 1980s came a run of victories that

will never be forgotten. And thanks to a continuing dedication to innovation and progression,

that success has continued right through to the present day. In 1999, Audi entered Le Mans for

the first time. Since then, it has won the legendary endurance race an incredible eight times. It is

in recognition of this unprecedented success that the new Audi R8 was created – a car that has

much more in common with the Le Mans-winning racer than simply a name.

Design and performance

Every detail of the R8’s exterior immediately marks it out as a progressive sports car. From the

emphatic, structural shape, wide air intakes and sweeping sideblades, to the retractable rear spoiler.

But these design features aren’t just for show. Each serves its own purpose, whether enhancing

the car’s aerodynamic potential or cooling the engine which sits directly behind the cockpit.

And that’s no easy task. Both the 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 powerplants are extremely high-revving, with

breathtaking performance thanks to FSI direct petrol injection and quattro

all-wheel-drive.

Enabling you to get the most from them are a number of auxiliary technologies – a lightweight

aluminium crankcase, spontaneous R tronic automated 6-speed gearbox and Audi magnetic ride.

Inside its rigid yet lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the R8 has more than a hint of

racing car inspiration in its layout and appearance, with Fine Nappa leather Sports seats, driver

oriented instruments and a leather flat-bottomed steering wheel as standard. The perfect setting

to enjoy some impressive technologies, including the optional Audi parking system advanced

and the 465-Watt 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system – if the arresting

symphony of the R8’s engine wasn’t enough.

Read on to discover more about the revolutionary Audi R8, including standard and optional

equipment, paint colours and prices.

Craftsmanship

The Audi R8 is built on a small production line in a specially constructed block at the Audi factory

in Neckarsulm, Germany. The entire production process – from the bodyshell construction to

final assembly – is organised in the same way as it would be in a craft workshop. Small teams

of specialists oversee every step of production, subjecting every part and component to intense

scrutiny. This ensures that every one of the maximum 20 cars built each day will more than

match the customary high-quality standards of the Audi product range.

Audi R8