2010 Audi R8,Reviews

Carbon-fiber trim for the door sills and body kit.
Even with the least desirable powertrain -- the base 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V8 coupled with the "R tronic" single-clutch automated manual transmission -- the R8 is one of the most scintillating sports cars on the planet.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Audi R8 is a two-door midengine exotic sports car offered in two trim levels that correspond to engine size: 4.2 Quattro and 5.2 Quattro. The 5.2 Quattro adds the V10 engine, a "hill-holder" feature for the conventional manual transmission, wider intakes and body sills, glossy (rather than flat) black exterior accents, napa leather upholstery with additional leather interior trim, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a navigation system and a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Most of the 5.2 Quattro's accoutrements are available as options on the 4.2 Quattro. Body-colored "side blade" exterior styling panels are also available in place of the standard contrasting side blades.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2010 Audi R8 4.2 Quattro sports a midmounted 4.2-liter V8 -- clearly visible through the R8's distinctive transparent engine cover -- that churns out 420 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The power flows to all four wheels (56 percent to the rears by default) through either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or Audi's six-speed R tronic automated manual. The latter features a computer-controlled clutch and can be shifted using either the console-mounted shift lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. R tronic also offers a fully automatic mode.

The 5.2 Quattro trims the 0-60-mph time to a blistering 3.7 seconds. Somehow the beefier 5.2 manages to be more fuel-efficient at 12/20/15 (manual) and 13/20/16 (R tronic).

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, seat-mounted side airbags and knee-protecting airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features
Audi claims there's room behind the 2010 Audi R8's seats for two golf bags, although your results may vary.

2011 Audi R8,Reviews

You're in luck, as now there's a convertible version of the midengine sports car from Ingolstadt, the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder. For good measure, Audi has increased the output of the 4.2-liter

V8 by 10 horsepower.
It doesn't take a lot to imagine yourself owning a 2011 Audi R8. Also, the navigation system is awkward to use and the optional R tronic automated manual transmission shifts clumsily at low speed.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Audi R8 is a two-seat exotic supercar available in 4.2 Coupe, 4.2 Spyder, 5.2 Coupe and 5.2 Spyder 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 climate control, heated eight-way power seats (with four-way power-adjustable lumbar), leather and faux suede upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Audi R8 4.2 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 mounted behind the passenger compartment that sends 430 hp 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. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12/19/14 with the manual and 13/19/15 with R tronic.

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.

Interior Design and Special Features
The seats are comfortable for long-distance travel and the driving position suits a wide range of people.

Driving Impressions
Be cool; get the manual.