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2009 Audi R8 Bottom Line

December 20, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

The experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2009 Audi R8 and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive rivals, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Audi R8 on streets, highways, and the racetrack, and added their own observations.

Likes:

  • Poster-car looks
  • Surprising practicality
  • Smooth, high-revving V-8 engine
  • Balanced, stable handling
  • Spectacular engine bay

Dislikes:

  • Obscured rearward vision
  • Difficult entry and exit
  • Takes a duffel bag, but not much more

Buying Tips:


Hold your horses; faster versions of this flagship are on the way. The Audi R8 V-10 is bound for the U.S. mid-calendar year 2009, and the shockingly fast V-12 TDI concept is also tentatively bound for production. The TDI will feature a V-12 turbodiesel that cranks out 500 hp and a jaw-dropping 738 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 25 mpg on the highway, the company estimates.

The 2009 Audi R8 looks every bit the exotic, a silhouette that seems designed for high-speed runs with extensive ductwork for engine cooling and brake venting, and huge wheels with a staggered size, front to back. Stunning details such as the LED light bar at the front and a glass engine cover that displays the LED-illuminated engine make it resemble a museum piece.

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 R8's lightweight construction and racing-inspired details are derived from Audi's experience with the racecar of the same name.

Though the engine in the 2009 Audi R8 isn't particularly torquey for a V-8—it needs to be revved a bit to extract all the power—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.

You don’t have to drive the R8 at illegal speeds to enjoy it, though it sure does have a presence on the racetrack. The R8 feels hefty and stable at triple-digit speeds, while also managing to convey lightness and nimbleness at low 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 2009 Audi R8 is about five inches longer than the Lamborghini Gallardo (with which it’s somewhat mechanically related) 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. The R8's interior lacks storage compartments and cubbies for small personal items, and 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.

Major options on the 2009 Audi R8 include carbon-fiber trim, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, a parking-sensor system, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound.

The 2009 Audi R8 hasn’t been crash tested by either of the U.S. testing programs—and it probably won’t because of its low-volume production—but 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:

Looks are deceptive. Although the R8 has an appearance that fits right in with Italian exotics, it isn't so much a competitor to the likes of 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; unless you’re with enthusiasts in the know, it probably won’t turn heads as much as the R8 either. 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--provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but is more livable and drivable than its raging-bull cousin.

The experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2009 Audi R8 and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive rivals, TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Audi R8 on streets, highways, and the racetrack, and added their own observations. Likes:Poster-car looksSurprising practicalitySmooth, high-revving V-8 engineBalanced, stable handlingSpectacular engine bayDislikes:Obscured rearward visionDifficult entry and exitTakes a duffel bag, but not much moreBuying Tips: Hold your horses; faster versions of this flagship are on the way. The Audi R8 V-10 is bound for the U.S. mid-calendar year 2009, and the shockingly fast V-12 TDI concept is also tentatively bound for production. The TDI will feature a V-12 turbodiesel that cranks out 500 hp and a jaw-dropping 738 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 25 mpg on the highway, the company estimates. The 2009 Audi R8 looks every bit the exotic, a silhouette that seems designed for high-speed runs with extensive ductwork for engine cooling and brake venting, and huge wheels with a staggered size, front to back. Stunning details such as the LED light bar at the front and a glass engine cover that displays the LED-illuminated engine make it resemble a museum piece. 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 R8's lightweight construction and racing-inspired details are derived from Audi's experience with the racecar of the same name. Though the engine in the 2009 Audi R8 isn't particularly torquey for a V-8—it needs to be revved a bit to extract all the power—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. You don’t have to drive the R8 at illegal speeds to enjoy it, though it sure does have a presence on the racetrack. The R8 feels hefty and stable at triple-digit speeds, while also managing to convey lightness and nimbleness at low 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 2009 Audi R8 is about five inches longer than the Lamborghini Gallardo (with which it’s somewhat mechanically related) 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. The R8's interior lacks storage compartments and cubbies for small personal items, and 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. Major options on the 2009 Audi R8 include carbon-fiber trim, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, a parking-sensor system, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound. The 2009 Audi R8 hasn’t been crash tested by either of the U.S. testing programs—and it probably won’t because of its low-volume production—but 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 VantageFerrari CaliforniaMaserati Gran TurismoPorsche 911Reason Why:Looks are deceptive. Although the R8 has an appearance that fits right in with Italian exotics, it isn't so much a competitor to the likes of 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; unless you’re with enthusiasts in the know, it probably won’t turn heads as much as the R8 either. 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--provided you don't think 911s are a dime a dozen. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Audi R8 looks and sounds like an exotic, but is more livable and drivable than its raging-bull cousin. The experts at TheCarConnection.com have studied the range of reviews that cover the 2009 Audi R8 and incorporated some of the most useful insight and information in this review. And to bring you the best advice on what distinguishes the R8 from its exclusive rivals, TheCarConnection.com's ...

Other Choices:

Looks are deceptive. Although the R8 has an appearance that fits right in with Italian exotics, it isn't so much a competitor to the likes of 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; unless you’re with enthusiasts in the know, it probably won’t turn heads as much as the R8 either. 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--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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