New Cars Reviews

Full Audi R8 Review

Whats New For 2014

From a year hiatus, the 2014 audi r8 returns with revised model nomenclature, a mild face-lift, weight-saving measures and, best of all, a whole new automated manual transmission that provides a additional legitimate automatic-transmission choice for customers who might wish it.

Introduction

New Cars Reviews - Since its debut for your own 2008 model year, the audi r8 has captivated the hearts of drivers and the general public alike. With its rear-biased all-wheel drive, nearly telepathic responsiveness, light-weight aluminum-intensive construction and exotic pseudo-futuristic design, the r8 happens to be the brands first proper halo car for your own u. S.. In fact, it hasnt hurt that the supercar has suffered a co-starring role within the iron man movie franchise additionally.

For the core of each and every 2014 audi r8 could be a highly tuned v8 or v10 engine. Whereas neither engines output is exceptional to get this category of car, they actually each sound exceptional and drive all four wheels across the r8s normal awd system. One terribly positive development this year happens to be the new s tronic dual-clutch automated manual transmission choice. It replaces the cars previous r tronic single-clutch automated manual, that was notorious to its rough-shifting nature. Fortunately, audi still offers a standard manual transmission for individuals who still like to actually row gears old-school style.

Regardless of whos doing the shifting, weve continually loved how the audi r8 drives. The engines midship placement is beneficial to the r8s responsiveness and visceral nature, and therefore the steering, that will still be hydraulic-assisted, provides nice feel and responsiveness. Mostly, though, the r8 distinguishes itself from past and present supercars by rendering all of the wonderful performance while not the sacrifices that alternative ultrahigh-performance cars need. Specifically, the r8 offers decent ride comfort, sensible outward visibility and comfortable seats. Its a supercar you'll drive daily if you really thus desire.

In fact, there will be a few drawbacks, and that they refer to the entire 2014 r8 lineup. Cargo area is restricted, creating the r8 a poor alternative for a protracted road trip. And though audi created a range of changes this year, upgrading the cars electronics interface was unfortunately not the 1st of them. As such, the outdated navigation system interface can have you pining for audis newer electronics suite.

Even with one of these drawbacks, the 2014 audi r8 still shines brightly among exotic cars, together with the ones that cost tens of thousands additional. Go away with on your mind, there isnt a loser during this rarefied category. Whether or not youre looking it against such comparatively cheap models just like the aston martin v8 vantage, 2014 nissan gt-r or 2014 porsche 911, or higher-end exotics an example would be the ferrari 458 italia, lamborghini gallardo, mclaren mp4-12c and mercedes-benz sls amg, the r8 holds its own. It could be an appealing addition to actually any garage.

Body designs, trim levels, and options

The 2014 audi r8 could be a two-seat midengine exotic supercar out there in v8 coupe and convertible ( spyder ), v10 coupe and convertible, and v10 and coupe trim levels.

Normal equipment upon the v8 coupe includes 19-inch wheels with summer tires, an adaptive suspension, cruise management, full led lighting, automatic climate management, heated eight-way power seats ( with four-way power-adjustable lumbar ), leather and faux suede upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated facet mirrors, bluetooth while a seven-speaker sound system with six-cd changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The convenience package adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and interior storage nets. Carbon-ceramic brakes, a absolutely leather-upholstered interior ( additional for diamond stitching ), a faux suede headliner, a navigation system, an ipod interface ( deletes the cd changer ) while a 12-speaker bang & olufsen sound system are conjointly out there.

The v8 convertible adds an electrically powered soft high while a retractable rear window that doubles just like a wind deflector. The r8 v10 convertible has those features and a v10 engine, totally different suspension tuning, totally different wheels, the convenience package, premium leather, the navigation system and therefore the bang & olufsen audio system. The r8 v10 coupe has all of them normal amenities additionally.

The coupe-only r8 v10 and model includes all the v10 coupe equipment and a higher-output engine, the carbon-ceramic brakes and an abundance of carbon-fiber trim pcs. Except for additional weight savings, it has got a smaller fuel tank and deletes the adaptive suspension and power seats.

Additional model-wide r8 choices embody a range of carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim packages. The coupes often is equipped with alternate facet blade finishes.

Powertrains and performance

The 2014 audi r8 v8 is powered by a 4. 2-liter v8 mounted behind the passenger compartment that sends 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque through an awd system. A six-speed manual transmission with the use of a gated metal shifter is customary, although a new seven-speed double-clutch automated manual, called s tronic, is optional and includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. In edmunds performance testing, the r8 v8 along with the gated manual transmission went from zero out to 60 mph in 4. 5 seconds. Epa-estimated fuel economy rings in at 11 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined along with the manual and 14/23/17 with s tronic.

Equipped with either transmission, the audi r8 v10 boasts a 5. 2-liter v10 that produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. In edmunds performance testing, the v10 coupe along with the manual went from zero out to 60 mph in 3. 7 seconds, and therefore the v10 spyder, conjointly along with the manual, did it in 3. 9 seconds. Epa-estimated fuel economy is 12/19/14 along with the manual and 13/22/16 with s tronic.

The r8 v10 and boosts power output out to 550 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Either transmission is accessible. In edmunds testing, an s tronic-equipped v10 and hustled out to 60 mph in barely 3. 4 seconds. Epa-estimated fuel economy is 13/22/16 or 12/19/14 along with the manual transmission.

Safety

Customary safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability management, aspect airbags and knee airbags. Front and rear parking sensors while a rearview camera are customary or optional, reckoning on the trim.

This year, out to shed weight and aid in cooling, audi has modified the look as to the non-ceramic brake discs utilized on all models, except the v10 and. Before that modification, in edmunds brake testing, multiple audi r8s have come back out to a stop from 60 mph between 104 and 106 feet, that is incredibly sensible. Meanwhile, a 2014 r8 v10 and along with the carbon-ceramic brakes came out to a halt in 106 feet.

Interior design and special features

There will be many delicate changes out to the audi r8s interior for 2014. Theres a thicker steering wheel rim with perforated trim and new shift paddles ( s tronic merely ) ; accessible diamond-pattern stitching for your own napa leather seats ; new gloss-black and genuine aluminum parts ; and added leather trim in general. As in previously, the r8 possesses a finely crafted cabin with top-notch materials.

The light-weight r8 seats are comfortable for long-distance travel, and therefore the driving position suits a broader vary of individuals. We much like the center stacks elegant swoop from the the driver, however this suggests that that major controls need an inconvenient reach. Additionally, the navigation and audio controls are operated by an unintuitive, dash-mounted mmi knob and constellation of buttons located below the show screen. Compared along with the electronic interfaces within the whole mercedes sls amg and porsche 911, the r8s is noticeably antiquated. One exceptionally clever plan, but, is that the integration as to the microphone for bluetooth into your drivers seatbelt.

Audi says theres enough space behind the r8 coupes seats and get a two of golf bags, however youd really need to be pretty hard-pressed for country club transport out to strive that. The 3. 5-cubic-foot front trunk is awkwardly shaped and barely provides enough area for your overnight bag ( a porsche 911 feels as a minivan by comparison ). As such, the r8 isn't the very best selection and get a long-distance road trip.

The spyder models convertible soft prime might be operated at speeds up out to 31 mph. It takes roughly 20 seconds in either direction to convert. The spyders thermal-resistant leather seats effectively lower surface temperature, which is certainly a pleasant attribute for open-top motoring.

Driving impressions

The 2014 audi r8 rides firmly despite its adaptive suspension, and road noise is pronounced relative out to most alternative audis. However by exotic-car standards, the r8 may be a remarkably comfortable and quiet daily driver. Low seating height notwithstanding, visibility is particularly sensible all told directions. On twisting roads, the r8s preposterous power, quick reflexes and heroic grip conspire out to create this 3, 600-pound supercar feel as nimble currently being a light-weight roadster.

Speaking of power, the v10 adds an appreciable quantity, too currently being a uniquely racy soundtrack, however even the bottom v8 one amongst the'>can be one of the best-sounding and the vast majority tractable engines weve experienced. Unlike the slow-witted and duly criticized single-clutch gearbox offered in past years ( and now not accessible for 2014 ), the new dual-clutch automated manual is currently the transmission of selection. Positive, the manual shifter is mechanically rewarding and visually beautiful, however the quickness and infallibility as to the automated manual is unbeatable in terms of true performance too as comfort.

Whereas the v10-powered r8 models feature a performance advantage, its arduous out to justify the extra outlay of money in lightweight of how slight the acceleration blessings are and just how truly sensible the v8 versions are. Furthermore, unless youre spending an unusual level of time for a racetrack, where hundredths the most second truly suggests that one thing, wed pass inside the 2014 audi r8 v10 and too. The v10 and weight-reduction regimen reduces a few as to the r8s everyday appeal. Though well sorted for arduous driving, its nonadaptive suspension doesnt deal too with real-world conditions, and its carbon-ceramic brakes generally feel grabby and sound screechy.