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2009 Audi R8 Safety Review

December 20, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulder
Consumer Guide

Not tested
IIHS

Not tested
NHTSA

As the 2009 Audi R8 has not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, we are unable to rate the Audi R8's crash performance. However, a long list of standard safety equipment comes with every 2009 Audi R8.

Edmunds reports that standard safety equipment on the 2009 Audi R8 includes seat-mounted and knee-protecting airbags as well as anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and stability control. Of course, traction plays a part in safety, and the standard Quattro system ensures full-time all-wheel drive. For those of you who live in states where driving while talking on a cell phone is prohibited, a Bluetooth system is made standard for 2009.

TheCarConnection.com's editors recently drove an Audi R8 and found that backing into parking spaces was difficult because of the shape of the R8's roof, something even the large side mirrors couldn't help. Visibility plays a role in safety, and ConsumerGuide took to task the rear visibility from the 2009 Audi R8, noting, "Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by the wide 'flying buttress' rear-roof pillars and narrow rear-window opening." However, with the R8, Audi offers a backup camera as well as a radar obstacle-detection system, and Automobile Magazine thinks that the view to the back is better than in some sportscars.

Conclusion

The 2009 Audi R8's stout structure, plethora of handling features, and full complement of airbags should reassure most drivers.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulderConsumer GuideNot testedIIHSNot testedNHTSAAs the 2009 Audi R8 has not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, we are unable to rate the Audi R8's crash performance. However, a long list of standard safety equipment comes with every 2009 Audi R8. Edmunds reports that standard safety equipment on the 2009 Audi R8 includes seat-mounted and knee-protecting airbags as well as anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and stability control. Of course, traction plays a part in safety, and the standard Quattro system ensures full-time all-wheel drive. For those of you who live in states where driving while talking on a cell phone is prohibited, a Bluetooth system is made standard for 2009. TheCarConnection.com's editors recently drove an Audi R8 and found that backing into parking spaces was difficult because of the shape of the R8's roof, something even the large side mirrors couldn't help. Visibility plays a role in safety, and ConsumerGuide took to task the rear visibility from the 2009 Audi R8, noting, "Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by the wide 'flying buttress' rear-roof pillars and narrow rear-window opening." However, with the R8, Audi offers a backup camera as well as a radar obstacle-detection system, and Automobile Magazine thinks that the view to the back is better than in some sportscars. ConclusionThe 2009 Audi R8's stout structure, plethora of handling features, and full complement of airbags should reassure most drivers.  2009 AUDI R8 STYLING | [10 out of 10] Motor Trend: "stunning good looks" Cars.com: "it garnered more unabashed rubbernecking and mouth-breathing than the Italian competition does" Edmunds: "distinctive low-slung design" Kelley Blue Book: "posh interior is loaded with electronics and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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