2014 Audi R8 - Review

The Basics:

As Audi's only mid-engine car, let alone its only supercar, the R8's reputation precedes it. For the 2014 model year (Audi skipped the 2013 model year), mild enhancements to appearance and less minor enhancements to performance combine to make this the best R8 yet.

The standout of the 2014 model year updates is the new dual-clutch transmission. Apart from remedying the problems of the S Tronic automatic that preceded it, the new dual-clutch vaults the R8 into cahoots with the best in the world. Nearly sentient in its prediction of downshifts and its steady, rapid upshifts, even skipping gears to respond directly to multiple downshift requests, the new gearbox is now a must-have for all but the purists. For the purists, there's still a six-speed manual.

Also new this year is the V10 Plus model, which raises the standard R8 V10's 525 horsepower to a slightly more exhilarating 550 horsepower. That's still not outrageous in these days of 650-plus horsepower muscle cars, but combined with the weight savings over the standard V-10-powered car, the R8 V10 Plus is as nimble as the V-8-powered R8. Together, the extra power and lightness make it a standout performer, particularly when paired with the new dual-clutch transmission.

The entry R8 is still a 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8-powered Coupe, paired with a convertible, or Spyder. The 525-horsepower, 5.2-liter V-10 Coupe and Spyder likewise carry into 2014. All 2014 R8s share updated appearance and interior features, mostly minor tweaks, but collectively, a visible refinement of design.

Comfort and convenience items in the interior are typically coupe-minimal, but at the same time, more than merely adequate. Audi's MMI navigation with real-time traffic, Bluetooth, and excellent audio cover the expected bases. The seats and space in the cabin will encourage you to enjoy the time you spend there. And though the cargo space is a bit limited, it's still one of the most practical supercars or super sports cars around.

The 2014 Audi R8 hasn't yet been crash-tested by the official agencies, but with Audi's full design and specification of a modern safety suite, including dual-stage airbags, knee airbags, head and thorax airbags, stability control, rearview camera, and more to help reduce the effects of an impact.

On the gas mileage front, the 2014 Audi R8 hasn't yet been rated by the EPA. The 2012 model, however, wasn't all that efficient, scoring at best 13/21 mpg city/highway (in V-8 automatic models) and at worst 12/19 mpg in V-10 manual guise.