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2008 Audi R8 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

The experienced auto experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2008 Audi R8, and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And in order to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive rivals, TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven the Audi R8.

Likes:

  • Poster-car look, with surprising practicality
  • Smooth, high-revving V-8 engine is great with either gearbox
  • Well-balanced handling
  • Firm but well-controlled ride
  • Spectacular engine bay

Dislikes:

  • Rearward visibility can be challenging
  • Arcing roofline and low seating position makes entry and exit difficult
  • Only enough cargo space for a change of clothes

Buying Tips:


Hold your horses; a faster flagship is on the way in a year or two. The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept that bowed at this past year's Detroit Auto Show is bound for production. It (tentatively) promises a V-12 turbodiesel that will crank out 500 hp and a jaw-dropping 738 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 25 mpg on the highway, the company estimates. You might want to put some money down to be first in line, if the dealer permits.

The 2008 Audi R8 is an all-new mid-engine, all-wheel-drive sportscar, powered by a 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 engine. The R8 shares some mechanical components with the Lamborghini Gallardo, though the R8 was extensively reengineered by Audi to make it more livable and to meet the German brand's standards for comfort, safety, and maintenance intervals.

But the 2008 Audi R8 looks every bit the part of an exotic, with extensive ductwork for engine cooling and brake venting, a silhouette that looks designed for high-speed runs, and huge wheels with a staggered size, front-to-back, and stunning details such as the LED light bar at the front. A glass engine cover displays the engine at night, to those who look at it from overhead, like a museum piece.

The R8's lightweight construction and racing-inspired details were derived from Audi's experience with the racecar of the same name. The entire vehicle weighs only about 3,400 pounds and has a near-perfect (rear-biased) weight distribution to take advantage of the engine's mounting, just behind the front seats.

The engine in the 2008 Audi R8 isn't particularly torquey for a V-8--it needs to be revved a bit to extract all the power, but it delivers very brisk performance with either the standard six-speed manual or optional R-tronic gearbox. The manual gearbox has distinctive metal shift gates inside and shifts easily; the R-tronic gearbox can shift roughly in leisurely driving, but it's the choice for track driving, where it nails down shifts faster than the most experienced drivers and blips the throttle expertly on downshifts to maintain control. The R8 feels light and nimble at lower speeds yet also has a feeling of heft and stability at triple-digit speeds; meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 35 percent of torque to the front wheels, puts the power to the pavement without drama. And the sound from the V-8 is a nice baritone, but not so loud that it brings on fatigue.

The 2008 Audi R8 is about five inches longer than the Gallardo and has several more inches of seat travel and legroom than the Italian stallion; even tall people will find the R8 ample in space. Headroom isn't tight once you're in, but some might bump their head on entry or exit. The layout of the cockpit area is very driver-centric, like that of a racecar, with controls and displays angled toward the driver. Cargo space is limited to a modest area underhood at the front of the car and a cargo shelf that's good only for a small duffel bag. The R8's interior lacks storage compartments and cubbies for small personal items.

Major options on the 2008 Audi R8 include carbon-fiber trim, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, parking sensor system, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound.

The 2008 Audi R8 has not yet been crash tested. A performance-oriented electronic stability control system is standard on the R8, along with side impact airbags and dual knee airbags.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Audi R8, also consider:

Reason Why:

The R8 isn't so much a competitor to Italian exotics such as the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, as both of those vehicles appeal to a niche group of affluent enthusiasts and collectors who don't expect as much practicality in a vehicle and will wait in line for years for delivery. The Gran Turismo has a larger cabin and a backseat that's large enough for small adults, along with a distinctly Italian style, though it's heavier than the especially nimble R8. The Aston is similarly heavier, exclusive, and luxurious, and it's a great grand-touring vehicle. The Porsche 911 remains arguably the most practical choice in the group, with its more spacious front and rear cargo areas, and an enviable record for safety--that is, provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but it has the day-to-day livability and comfort of a grand-touring coupe.

The experienced auto experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2008 Audi R8, and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And in order to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive rivals, TheCarConnection.com’s editors have driven the Audi R8. Likes:Poster-car look, with surprising practicalitySmooth, high-revving V-8 engine is great with either gearboxWell-balanced handlingFirm but well-controlled rideSpectacular engine bayDislikes:Rearward visibility can be challengingArcing roofline and low seating position makes entry and exit difficultOnly enough cargo space for a change of clothesBuying Tips: Hold your horses; a faster flagship is on the way in a year or two. The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept that bowed at this past year's Detroit Auto Show is bound for production. It (tentatively) promises a V-12 turbodiesel that will crank out 500 hp and a jaw-dropping 738 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 25 mpg on the highway, the company estimates. You might want to put some money down to be first in line, if the dealer permits. The 2008 Audi R8 is an all-new mid-engine, all-wheel-drive sportscar, powered by a 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 engine. The R8 shares some mechanical components with the Lamborghini Gallardo, though the R8 was extensively reengineered by Audi to make it more livable and to meet the German brand's standards for comfort, safety, and maintenance intervals. But the 2008 Audi R8 looks every bit the part of an exotic, with extensive ductwork for engine cooling and brake venting, a silhouette that looks designed for high-speed runs, and huge wheels with a staggered size, front-to-back, and stunning details such as the LED light bar at the front. A glass engine cover displays the engine at night, to those who look at it from overhead, like a museum piece. The R8's lightweight construction and racing-inspired details were derived from Audi's experience with the racecar of the same name. The entire vehicle weighs only about 3,400 pounds and has a near-perfect (rear-biased) weight distribution to take advantage of the engine's mounting, just behind the front seats. The engine in the 2008 Audi R8 isn't particularly torquey for a V-8--it needs to be revved a bit to extract all the power, but it delivers very brisk performance with either the standard six-speed manual or optional R-tronic gearbox. The manual gearbox has distinctive metal shift gates inside and shifts easily; the R-tronic gearbox can shift roughly in leisurely driving, but it's the choice for track driving, where it nails down shifts faster than the most experienced drivers and blips the throttle expertly on downshifts to maintain control. The R8 feels light and nimble at lower speeds yet also has a feeling of heft and stability at triple-digit speeds; meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 35 percent of torque to the front wheels, puts the power to the pavement without drama. And the sound from the V-8 is a nice baritone, but not so loud that it brings on fatigue. The 2008 Audi R8 is about five inches longer than the Gallardo and has several more inches of seat travel and legroom than the Italian stallion; even tall people will find the R8 ample in space. Headroom isn't tight once you're in, but some might bump their head on entry or exit. The layout of the cockpit area is very driver-centric, like that of a racecar, with controls and displays angled toward the driver. Cargo space is limited to a modest area underhood at the front of the car and a cargo shelf that's good only for a small duffel bag. The R8's interior lacks storage compartments and cubbies for small personal items. Major options on the 2008 Audi R8 include carbon-fiber trim, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, parking sensor system, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound. The 2008 Audi R8 has not yet been crash tested. A performance-oriented electronic stability control system is standard on the R8, along with side impact airbags and dual knee airbags. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Audi R8, also consider:Aston Martin V8 VantageMaserati Gran TurismoPorsche 911Reason Why:The R8 isn't so much a competitor to Italian exotics such as the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, as both of those vehicles appeal to a niche group of affluent enthusiasts and collectors who don't expect as much practicality in a vehicle and will wait in line for years for delivery. The Gran Turismo has a larger cabin and a backseat that's large enough for small adults, along with a distinctly Italian style, though it's heavier than the especially nimble R8. The Aston is similarly heavier, exclusive, and luxurious, and it's a great grand-touring vehicle. The Porsche 911 remains arguably the most practical choice in the group, with its more spacious front and rear cargo areas, and an enviable record for safety--that is, provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but it has the day-to-day livability and comfort of a grand-touring coupe. The experienced auto experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2008 Audi R8, and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And in order to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive ...

Other Choices:

The R8 isn't so much a competitor to Italian exotics such as the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo, as both of those vehicles appeal to a niche group of affluent enthusiasts and collectors who don't expect as much practicality in a vehicle and will wait in line for years for delivery. The Gran Turismo has a larger cabin and a backseat that's large enough for small adults, along with a distinctly Italian style, though it's heavier than the especially nimble R8. The Aston is similarly heavier, exclusive, and luxurious, and it's a great grand-touring vehicle. The Porsche 911 remains arguably the most practical choice in the group, with its more spacious front and rear cargo areas, and an enviable record for safety--that is, provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen.

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See the Audi R8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008

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