2008 Audi R8

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Audi R8 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Audi R8 ranks 7 out of 9 Super Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Audi R8, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The R8 is a bona fide near-exotic sports car that's a winner on the track and is also surprisingly easy to drive around town. Its aggressive styling and comfortable seats are big hits, and criticisms are few -- so much so that the R8 is poised to compete with exotic sports cars costing more than twice its base price. Altogether, the R8 ranks in the middle of its class.

The all-new Audi R8 is a viable competitor to iconic and exotic sports cars such as the Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430. It's Audi's first attempt at both a mid-engine sports car and an exotic, with the R8 sharing basic components with Lamborghini's mid-engine Gallardo. Review after review praises the Audi's unique styling and superb handling, with many noting its excellent everyday drivability. "THE VERDICT: Sports-car perfection from an unexpected source," states Car and Driver.

Of course, the R8 isn't without its faults -- though they are minor. These include reports of light steering feel and a slower straight-line performance than top rivals. Still, the Audi is less than half the price of the Lamborghini and less than a fourth as much as the Porsche Carrera GT. But buyers beware: the R8's price can increase quickly -- by as much as $20,000 -- when fully loaded.

The Audi R8 comes equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed R tronic automatic. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

• "The craftsmanship, performance, exoticism and near perfection of this street car, combined with the history of the R8 race car, are going to make this newest Audi a winner, just like the Le Mans-winning race cars with which it shares its name." -- Road and Track.

• "The R8 may be cross-shopped with Porsches, AMG Mercedes, Aston Martins, Jaguars, Ferraris, or even Lamborghinis, but what counts is that it really does have a character of its own, with a feel that's more like exotics that cost more." -- The Car Connection.

• "As for the price, I concede that $110,000 and up is stiff money for an Audi. But this is, hands down, the most exotic car you can buy for that kind of cash. The Aston Martin V-8 Vantage is certainly beautiful, and the Porsche GT3 is a hero on the track, but the midengine R8 has more in common with cars in the $200,000 club, like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430, than with its nominal competitors." -- New York Times

• "After putting the R8 through its paces at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and in the surrounding desert roads, we found the car's stirring performance and stand-alone style do justify the price -- at least for buyers who can look beyond the logo on the hood." -- Forbes

R8 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

Test drivers agree the new Audi R8 has satisfying performance and effortless drivability. "This Audi provides a mix of speed, agility, and comfort that is unique among sports cars contending just below the realm of true supercars -- the Ferrari F430, for example, or the Lamborghini Gallardo," says Car and Driver. In terms of performance, the R8 ranks near the top of its class. Continue with our full R8 Performance Review to read about how well it handles, as well as its mind-blowing 0 to 60 mph acceleration time. continue

R8 Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Reviewers appreciate the Audi R8's eye-catching, revolutionary exterior design. "Parked on the street, cruising around Detroit and especially on the highway, people would gawk, their mouths gaping open, their eyes following you," writes the Detroit News. "Some would drive up and stick a single thumb out their window approvingly, goofy smiles on their faces." Compared to other super luxury sports cars, the Audi R8's exterior ranks high within its class. Continue our full R8 Exterior Review to read what critics think of its unique sideblades. continue

R8 Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2008 Audi R8's interior has a high-quality and luxurious feel, along with exceptional sound damping. It's also very spacious for a sports car, with comfortable seats and plenty of head room. "Inside, the Porsche's austere, functional cockpit is simply overwhelmed by Audi interior designer Jens Sieber's sumptuous and sophisticated cabin," comments Motor Trend. In fact, the R8's interior ranks highly within its class. Continue with our full R8 Interior Review to read what critics think of its interior storage features. continue

R8 Safety - NA

The Audi R8 hasn't been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but features an impressive array of active and passive safety equipment, including electronic stability control and dual-stage front air bags. Continue with our full R8 Safety Review to learn about its visibility issues, as well as what Audi offers to remedy them. continue

R8 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Audi R8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full R8 Reliability Review. continue