2011 Audi R8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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It’s been five years since Volkswa… I mean since Audi entered the midengine supercar world with the R8. Back then it was a beast of a luxury sports car, with Audi’s legendary quattro AWD system and a refined 4.2-liter V8. The quattro AWD has stuck around, but the R8 has gained weight in recent years. Thankfully, a good portion of it can be attributed to the addition of two extra cylinders in the form of a 5.2-liter, DOHC V10 engine. At 4 valves per cylinder, that’s 40 valves chattering behind your head, helping to deliver 518 hp at a stratospheric 8,000 rpm, not to mention 391 lb-ft of torque 1,500 rpm earlier.
That’s enough to allow the R8 to finally bust the 4-second 0-60 mph barrier, putting it that much closer to its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo. And while the R8’s chassis, six-speed manual transmission and floorpan are all based on the Gallardo, don’t believe people who tell you the V10 was stolen from the Italians as well. It’s easy to forget that while the Lambo does use a version of that engine, they themselves got it from Audi, specifically from the S6 and S8. All in the family.
The rest of the car is purely Teutonic, however, and the guys at Audi AG’s quattro GmbH high-performance subsidiary were the real minds behind this midengine mayhem. Audi itself is the reason we’re getting only the six-speed R tronic single-clutch semi-automatic transmission, as opposed to the S tronic dual-clutch setup. They feel the current iteration simply couldn’t handle the torque the big V10 produces, and considering the R8 ships only 2,500 units per year, they aren’t keen on spending the money to upgrade one. For shame.
Still, the R8 gets plenty of high tech, from the infrared-reflecting seat materials to the aluminum monocoque spaceframe. That V10 is aluminum as well, although the R8 still manages to tip the scales at more than 3,500 pounds.
That said, if you don’t mind the extra weight, Audi has another option for you – the R8 Spyder. Weighing 300 more pounds than the Coupe, the Spyder offers a power ragtop that will fold like an unlucky card player at speeds up to 30 mph. The Spyder loses the divisive – pun definitely intended – “sideblades” that angle up the flanks of the Coupe, and this only highlights the R8’s 174.6-inch length, giving it a definitive stretched look.
Regardless of the R8 you choose, you’ll be treated to leather upholstery on its heated 10-way power seats, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, adjustable suspension with magnetic dampers and a long list of electronic safety features in the form of the Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme. This offers ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). You’ll also get the distinctive all-LED headlamps that made headlines as a first-ever not just for Audi, but the rest of the world as well.
So now you have yet another option for 200-mph motoring with the top down, and while the Spyder is big news for Audi, the real interest will be in how Lamborghini responds. When the R8 was V8 powered, the distinction between it and the Gallardo was obvious. Now, with both vehicles producing Spyder versions, both with V10 power and performance numbers with negligible differences, something will have to be done to draw that distinction again.
And that’s good news for everyone.
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2011 Audi R8 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 465 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46 · Locking differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.3
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 140 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: carbon · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps · Battery: 525 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear spoiler: adjustable · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.3
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 465 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Gauges color: white-faced · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.3
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 465 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: carbon · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: two-tone · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Gauges color: white-faced · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.3
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation