2014 Audi R8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
After taking a year off, my favorite supercar for the Bay area has returned with a second clutch and a new trim. With Quattro all-wheel drive and a suspension that can actually be driven on real roads, the R8 has always been a sort of subtle supercar—the kind of opulence you can take to the track or use to cruise the coast. Another rainy day in the Bay? Quattro won’t let you down. Cracked pavement and curbed parking? The adaptive suspension will actually leave your spine intact. Because of this, some have even criticized the R8 for being too soft, too forgiving.
Enter the R8 V10 Plus. Power seats? Nope. Adaptive suspension? Nope. You’re not getting a reworked GT trim, but rather a compromise that also offers carbon-ceramic brakes, a lot of carbon-fiber trim, 25 extra hp and a second clutch for the transmission.
In fact, all R8s get the new 7-speed, dual-clutch S-tronic automated tranny—unless you man up and go for the surprisingly still-standard 6-speed manual transmission. Usually that’s a throwaway clause, as so few actually ask for the privilege of shifting, but it may not be the case here. Whereas Porsche has received criticism after asking $3K for its vaunted dual-clutch automated offering, Audi demands $9K for those paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. It’s a stunning transmission to be sure, able to chop 0.3 seconds off the sprint to 60 versus the old unit, but at $9K just to get in the door, I’m guessing a few people will be exercising long-atrophied clutch feet.
And the manual is approachable enough to be manipulated even in Bay traffic, as many may come to realize. Drawn in by the Audi’s new front and rear bumpers as well as revised lighting, it may just be here that the manual makes a comeback. With LED front lamps and dynamic rears, we’re looking to Audi to light the way.
Some changes made their way inside as well, with a thicker, aerated steering wheel, new gloss black and aluminum trim, some extra leather throughout and optional diamond-pattern stitching for the Napa leather seats. All welcome, but every improvement and adjustment has the added effect of highlighting just how abysmal the navigation system still is. Time for another upgrade, pleaseandthankyou.
But why bother with navigation in the first place? With either engine at your disposal, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied no matter the road you choose. Starting with a 4.2-liter V8, the R8 presents 430 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque and still manages 14 mpg city/24 highway with the S-tronic. The standard 6-speed will drop you down to 11/20 mpg and offers the slowest R8 60 sprint of 4.5 seconds.
Bumping up to the R8 V10, the extra cylinders will get you 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Even if you opt for the heavier Spyder model, you’ll still crack 60 in less than 4 seconds and get a return of 13/22 mpg. But if that’s not enough, the Plus will tack on that extra 25 horses, and a small torque bump to boot, with no penalty at the pump. All that, and you even get to 60 in less than 3.5 seconds.
The biggest downside to the R8—other than that navigation system and its stratospheric price—is the lack of storage. Never the strong suit of the supercar, the fore and aft compartments on the R8 leave you wanting. Up front you get just 3.5 cubic feet of space, as a rather painful example. Perfect for that light sweater we carry everywhere in the Bay, but not much else.
So the improvements are an improvement, the navigation is still anachronistic, and the price is still out of reach. It all adds up to the perfect car for the Bay area—the very place where the right eyes might get on that antiquated navigation system and dream up something better. The R8 deserves it.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2014 Audi R8
Write a reviewUser rating:
by doug w
Mar 20, 2023
Fantastic car. Kills a 911 and MB. So unique and drives like a dream.Mar 20, 2023
by Jim S
Feb 05, 2022
super car! these cars are overpriced compared to Porsche and Merc sl....The much vaulted R8 has almost no storage, basically it is a kick ass go-cart!Feb 05, 2022
by Siddhartha M
Jan 10, 2021
Over modified car, and has too many owner. Plus seems too many miles in recents month.Jan 10, 2021
User rating:
by doug w
Mar 20, 2023
Fantastic car. Kills a 911 and MB. So unique and drives like a dream.Mar 20, 2023
by Jim S
Feb 05, 2022
super car! these cars are overpriced compared to Porsche and Merc sl....The much vaulted R8 has almost no storage, basically it is a kick ass go-cart!Feb 05, 2022
by Siddhartha M
Jan 10, 2021
Over modified car, and has too many owner. Plus seems too many miles in recents month.Jan 10, 2021
by J P
Sep 12, 2020
Everything that could be an issue has been addressed. Extended warranty is a huge plus.Sep 12, 2020
by Amit K
May 27, 2015
I absolutely love this car. It is and has been my dream car. My only regret is the lack of TFT display which Audi is incorporating into the 2017 model. Otherwise, I have no complaints with this car. This car was the perfect choice for Tony Stark.May 27, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 04, 2014
It's ok. It could be better. It could be faster. It's still ok. It's an ok car. Maybe I'll get it some point in the future when I have the money to buy my own cars. It's more of a race car than a family car.Oct 04, 2014
by kaylop r
Apr 11, 2014
i like this just because its a good reliable car its got great capacity for long trips its got a tv for the kids the kids would have a blast in it and you can tow boats jet skis and everything with this car.Apr 11, 2014
What users have asked
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2014 Audi R8?Compare this car
2014 Audi R8 Pricing
Original MSRP
$114,900 to $170,545Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD 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
Dash trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.59 · Locking differential: front
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 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
Dash trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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): front · Suspension control: magnetic
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 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
Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: under seat · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.59 · Locking differential: front
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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 wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 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
Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.59
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · 6 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: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: under seat · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear spoiler: electronically controlled · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
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
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear · Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse