What's New for 2012
For the 2012 Audi R8, a lightweight and more powerful limited-edition GT model joins the lineup.
Introduction
Supercars are a rare breed. They have the ability
to turn the heads of the most jaded of automotive enthusiasts and
seemingly defy the laws of physics. The 2012 Audi R8 certainly
accomplishes both, but it distinguishes itself from some past and
present supercars by providing excellent performance without the
sacrifices that other ultrahigh-performance cars require.
First and foremost, the R8 is pretty easy to drive. Aided by precise
steering, a decent ride quality, good outward visibility and
comfortable seats, the R8 is a supercar you could drive every day if you
wanted. It also comes with all-wheel drive, giving it an advantage in
terms of traction. While its effortless nature can make it seem a bit
less involving than rear-wheel-drive competitors, there's something to
be said for the reassurance of having AWD when the roads are wet.
For that rare individual who is willing to give up some comfort in
the name of performance that the anything-but-standard V8- and
V10-powered R8s deliver, there's a new limited-edition GT model. The R8
GT is powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 used in the R8 5.2 models, but
it has more power and a lighter curb weight. Less is definitely more in
this case, as the GT will set you back an additional $50,000 on top of
the R8 5.2, and that's assuming you can even acquire one, as there are
only 90 examples destined for U.S. sales. You'll also be surrendering
some refinement, as sound insulation has been reduced and the ride is
quite a bit stiffer.
In our opinion, the V8-powered R8 4.2 is actually the pick of the
litter. Its capabilities are still far beyond those of most mortals. And
starting at about $115,000, it represents a relative bargain in the
supercar realm. Of course, there are some drawbacks, and they apply to
the entire R8 lineup. Cargo space is limited, making the R8 a poor road
trip choice. Around town, the R tronic automated manual transmission
is unforgivably clunky, and the outdated navigation system interface
will have you wishing Audi's newer electronics suites made it over to
the R8.
Even with these drawbacks, though, the 2012 Audi R8 still shines
brightly among other exotics. And really, there isn't a loser in the
bunch. Whether you're talking less expensive or similarly priced models
like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R
or Porsche 911, or higher-end exotics like the Ferrari 458 Italia,
Lamborghini Gallardo, McLaren MP4-12C and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it's
pretty much impossible to go wrong.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Audi R8 is a two-seat exotic supercar
available in 4.2 Coupe, 4.2 Spyder, 5.2 Coupe, 5.2 Spyder and GT 5.2
Coupe trim levels.
Standard equipment on the 4.2 Coupe includes 19-inch wheels,
adaptive suspension dampers, cruise control, automatic xenon headlights,
LED running lights, automatic wipers, automatic climate control,
heated 10-way power seats (with four-way power-adjustable lumbar),
leather and faux suede upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror,
Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer,
auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The Convenience package adds
hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera,
power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and interior storage nets. Also
optional are LED headlights, carbon-ceramic brakes, a fully
leather-upholstered interior, a navigation system, iPod interface and a
12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The 4.2 Spyder adds an electrically powered soft top and a
retractable rear window that doubles as a wind deflector. The R8 5.2
Coupe and Spyder add a V10 engine, different suspension tuning,
different wheels, LED headlights and slight differences in exterior
details. The GT 5.2 will initially be offered only as a coupe, and only
90 examples are destined for the U.S. market. A Spyder version is
expected later in the year.
The 5.2 models also include the 4.2 options as standard, minus the
all-leather upholstery and carbon-ceramic brakes. A variety of
carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim packages are available on all
models, while the coupes can be equipped with alternate "side blade"
finishes.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2012 Audi R8 4.2 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 all-wheel-drive system. A
six-speed manual transmission with a gated metal shifter is standard,
while a six-speed single-clutch automated manual known as R tronic is
optional. In Edmunds performance testing, the R8 4.2 with either
transmission went from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. EPA-estimated
fuel economy rings in at 11 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined
with the manual and 13/21/16 with R tronic.
The Audi R8 5.2 gets a 5.2-liter V10 that produces 525 hp and 391
lb-ft of torque. It has the same transmission choices. In Edmunds
performance testing, the 5.2 Coupe with the manual went from zero to 60
mph in 3.7 seconds, while the 5.2 Spyder with the manual did it in 3.9
seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12/19/14 with the manual and
13/19/15 with R tronic. The R8 GT 5.2 boosts power output to 560 hp and
398 lb-ft of torque. The R tronic is the only transmission offered.
Audi estimates a 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc
brakes, stability control, side airbags and knee airbags. Front and
rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are available.
In Edmunds brake testing, multiple R8s have come to a stop from 60 mph in a range between 104 and 108 feet, which is very good.
Interior Design and Special Features
As with every Audi, the R8 has a cabin finely
crafted from top-notch materials. The seats are comfortable for
long-distance travel and the driving position suits a wide range of
people. We like the center stack's elegant swoop away from the driver,
but this means that major controls require an awkward reach. In
particular, the navigation and audio controls are operated by an
unintuitive, dash-mounted knob located next to the display screen.
Audi claims there's enough room behind the R8 coupe's seats for a
pair of golf bags, but you'd have to be pretty hard-pressed for country
club transport to try that. The 3.5-cubic-foot front trunk is awkwardly
shaped and barely provides enough space for an overnight bag (a
Porsche 911 is a minivan by comparison). As such, the R8 is not the
right choice for a long-distance road trip.
Driving Impressions
The 2012 Audi R8 rides firmly despite its
adaptive suspension, and road noise is pronounced relative to most
other Audis. By exotic car standards, though, the R8 is remarkably
comfortable as a daily driver, and visibility is surprisingly good in
all directions. On twisting roads, the R8's preposterous power, quick
reflexes and heroic grip conspire to make this 3,600-pound supercar
feel almost as nimble as a lightweight roadster.
Speaking of power, the V10 adds an appreciable amount, as well as a
uniquely racy soundtrack, but even the base V8 is one of the
best-sounding and most tractable engines we've experienced. We can't
recommend the outdated single-clutch R tronic gearbox, as its
slow-witted, cranky upshifts make the car sluggish and clumsy when
driven around town. The conventional manual transmission, on the other
hand, is a joy to operate, featuring an excellent mechanical feel
augmented by a loud, metallic "clack-clack"as you row through the
exposed gates. We strongly suggest that you get the manual.
While the V10-powered models do provide a performance advantage, we
can't justify the additional outlay of cash in light of how truly good
the V8 versions are. Furthermore, unless you're spending an unusual
amount of time at a racetrack, where hundredths of a second actually
means something, we'd pass on the R8 GT 5.2 as well. The GT's weight
reduction regimen reduces some of its everyday appeal, with
significantly less sound insulation and a slightly jarring ride.
Audi Sat Pass 3
Enfig MSRP: $49.99
Exterior
features on the wide and squat looking machine include an automatically
extending rear spoiler which is deployed to provide additional down
force and two pairs of circular twin exhaust tailpipes that sit at the
right and left above the diffuser openings. There's also a transparent
engine hood, banks of LED headlights front and rear and for the first
time, the four-ring badge is positioned on the bonnet.
Inside,
sports seats are trimmed standard in a leather/alcantara combo, or can
be optioned to full leather. R8 can also be fitted with specially
designed bucket seats developed by Audi performance arm Quattro GmbH. R8
is a two-seater, but there is space behind the seats to stow as many as
two golf bags.
Final
pricing hasn't been set, but look for stickers starting at about
$100,000 for the base model. Audi is taking orders for R8s starting this
weekend and expects to sell about 3,500 a year. First deliveries will
begin in the first half of 2007, according to the automaker.
