Still in the league?!

Definitely still in the league. A heavy hitter, this R8 is.

As what is likely Audi’s best mid-engine sportscar ever, the R8 V10 brings almost all of the road presence, curb appeal and raw performance as the Ferrari and McLaren supercars. In fact, it is still a very worth competitor to the all-new Huracan from Lamborghini – a car that will heavily incluence the next R8 when it arrives for 2016 or so.

Until then, the 2014 model is packing three engine options and an all-new twin-clutch DSG to replace the old sequential-automatic unit.

In terms of style, even the $120,000 V8 looks outstanding. Supercar proportions are certainly standard!

But the V10 does add appeal with its louder engine and quicker sprints: the new DSG box hustles the new R8 V10 Plus to 60-mph in just 3.3-seconds.

Granted, this is down 0.7-seconds versus the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Even so, the R8 V10 is closer to the supercar formula with its low rear deck and mid-engine exotic stance. All this for what is about $50,000 to $100,000 less than an optioned 458, 650S or Huracan. It is easy to buy, with just a few options — but not as easy to personalize. Inside, the cabin comes in just a handful of dark leather options. Nothing near the Ferrari-levels of leather-everywhere, one-of-20-colors offered customizations.

Where it comes up short is in raw badge appeal versus the Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren. It just does not have quite the same exotic draw as its competitors – but is still an outstanding sportscar for those who would like more stares than a Porsche will deliver, but (a bit) less than a Ferrari.

This Sepang Blue Matte paint color is exlcusive to the R8 V10 Plus and is delicious. It matches the color of the UK-only R8 LMX that is coming to their market later this summer.

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Safety | Security

Driver and front passenger dual–stage airbags, head/thorax side airbags, and knee airbags ²
Front passenger occupant detection–for airbags
Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
Anti–lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake–pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control (ASR)
Anti–theft alarm system with panic function
Tire–pressure monitoring system
Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
Audi Backguard system with adjustable head restraints
Manual parking brake
Audi hill hold assist

Exterior

Audi Singleframe® grille with Titanium finish
Full LED headlight technology
Automatic headlights
LED taillight technology
Carbon Fiber Sigma power–adjustable, auto–dimming, heated exterior side mirrors
Front fog lights
Dual exhaust outlets with Gloss Black tips (round, one per side)
Titanium–optic trim around exterior windows
Adaptive rear spoiler with manual override–deploys at 75 mph and retracts at 50 mph
Missing text.
LED turn indicator light technology integrated in the side mirrors
Heated windshield washer nozzles
LED engine compartment lighting
Flared rocker panel
Carbon Fiber Sigma Audi sideblades
Gloss Black engine cover vents
Carbon Fiber Sigma engine compartment inlays

Interior

Automatic climate control
Flat–bottom three–spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles
Tilt and telescopic manually adjustable steering column
Power windows with one-touch up/down operation and pinch protection
Carbon Fiber Sigma decorative interior inlays
Black cloth headliner
Dual front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Illuminated locking glove box
Two beverage holders
Auto–dimming interior rearview mirror with compass
Storage compartment under seats, storage net on seatbacks and rear shelf
Carbon Fiber Sigma door sills
Front floor mats with fastening mechanism
LED interior lighting technology
Monoposto-influenced design’

Seating

Leather/Alcantara® seating surfaces
Six–way front sport seats with four–way power lumbar adjustment
Heated front seats
Two–seat configuration
Extended Fine Nappa leather package (door pulls, door panel inserts and colored leather elements)

Infotainment | Technology

Audi concert radio with seven speakers and single CD player with MP3 playback capability
Driver information system with lap timer
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 90–day trial subscription ³
Cruise control with coast, resume and accelerate features
Six–disc CD changer glove box–mounted
BLUETOOTH® wireless technology preparation for mobile phone
Garage door opener (HomeLink®)
Parking system plus with rear view camera
Rain/light sensor for automatic windshield wipers and headlights

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Engineering | Performance

Engine type V10

Displacement (cc)/Bore and stroke (mm) 5204/84.5 x 92.8

Horsepower (@ rpm) 550 @ 8000

Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 398 @ 6500

Engine block Aluminum alloy incorporating silicon crystals

Cylinder head Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain Continuous intake & exhaust camshaft adjustment, DOHC chain driven

Induction/Fuel injection FSI®

Acceleration (0-60 mph) 3.3 sec.

Top track speed 197 mph ⁴
Electrical System
Transmission | Drivetrain

Transmission Seven-speed S tronic® transmission with Audi quattro® all-wheel drive
Steering

Type Hydraulically assisted rack & pinion steering

Ratio 17.3:1

Turning diameter (curb-to-curb) (ft) 38.7
Suspension

Front Aluminum double wishbone front suspension

Rear Aluminum double wishbone rear suspension
Brakes

Front (in) 14.4 (ventilated disc)

Rear (in) 14.0 (ventilated disc)
Body
Warranty | Maintenance

Warranty 4-Year/50,000 mile Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty

Maintenance 12- Month/5,000 mile (whichever occurs first) NO CHARGE first scheduled maintenance

Exterior measurements

Wheelbase (in) 104.3

Length (in) 174.6

Height (in) 49.3

Overall width with mirrors (in) 76.0

Track front (in) 64.5

Track rear (in) 62.8

Curb weight (lb) 3,660

Interior measurements

Head room (in, front) 37.7

Leg room (in, front) 41.0

Shoulder room (in, front) 54.8

Seating capacity 2

EPA estimates | Capacities

City 13 mpg ⁵

Highway 22 mpg ⁵

Combined 16 mpg ⁵

Engine oil (qt) 8.8

Fuel (gal) 19.8

Recommended fuel Premium

COLORS

http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-r8

Tom Burkart

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.

He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.

Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.