2012 Audi R8 Review
2012 Audi R8 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Potent engine choices
- slick manual shifter
- comfortable cabin
- easy to drive.
Cons
- Rough-shifting R tronic transmission
- limited storage space
- unintuitive electronics interface.
What’s new
For the 2012 Audi R8, a lightweight and more powerful limited-edition GT model joins the lineup.
Edmunds says
Stylish, easy to drive and even somewhat of a bargain, the 2012 Audi R8 is an intriguing choice for an exotic sports car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Audi R8 4.2 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$370/mo for R8 4.2 quattro
R8 4.2 quattro
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Supercars are a rare breed. They have the ability to turn the heads of the most jaded of automotive enthusiasts and seemingly defy the laws of physics. The 2012 Audi R8 certainly accomplishes both, but it distinguishes itself from some past and present supercars by providing excellent performance without the sacrifices that other ultrahigh-performance cars require.
First and foremost, the R8 is pretty easy to drive. Aided by precise steering, a decent ride quality, good outward visibility and comfortable seats, the R8 is a supercar you could drive every day if you wanted. It also comes with all-wheel drive, giving it an advantage in terms of traction. While its effortless nature can make it seem a bit less involving than rear-wheel-drive competitors, there's something to be said for the reassurance of having AWD when the roads are wet.
For that rare individual who is willing to give up some comfort in the name of performance that the anything-but-standard V8- and V10-powered R8s deliver, there's a new limited-edition GT model. The R8 GT is powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 used in the R8 5.2 models, but it has more power and a lighter curb weight. Less is definitely more in this case, as the GT will set you back an additional $50,000 on top of the R8 5.2, and that's assuming you can even acquire one, as there are only 90 examples destined for U.S. sales. You'll also be surrendering some refinement, as sound insulation has been reduced and the ride is quite a bit stiffer.
In our opinion, the V8-powered R8 4.2 is actually the pick of the litter. Its capabilities are still far beyond those of most mortals. And starting at about $115,000, it represents a relative bargain in the supercar realm. Of course, there are some drawbacks, and they apply to the entire R8 lineup. Cargo space is limited, making the R8 a poor road trip choice. Around town, the R tronic automated manual transmission is unforgivably clunky, and the outdated navigation system interface will have you wishing Audi's newer electronics suites made it over to the R8.
Even with these drawbacks, though, the 2012 Audi R8 still shines brightly among other exotics. And really, there isn't a loser in the bunch. Whether you're talking less expensive or similarly priced models like the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2012 Nissan GT-R or 2012 Porsche 911, or higher-end exotics like the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia, 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C and 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it's pretty much impossible to go wrong.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Audi R8 4.2 is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 mounted behind the passenger compartment that sends 430 horsepower 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. In Edmunds performance testing, the R8 4.2 with either transmission went from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy rings in at 11 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined with the manual and 13/21/16 with R tronic.
The Audi R8 5.2 gets a 5.2-liter V10 that produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It has the same transmission choices. In Edmunds performance testing, the 5.2 Coupe with the manual went from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the 5.2 Spyder with the manual did it in 3.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12/19/14 with the manual and 13/19/15 with R tronic. The R8 GT 5.2 boosts power output to 560 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The R tronic is the only transmission offered. Audi estimates a 0-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds.
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.
In Edmunds brake testing, multiple R8s have come to a stop from 60 mph in a range between 104 and 108 feet, which is very good.
Driving
The 2012 Audi R8 rides firmly despite its adaptive suspension, and road noise is pronounced relative to most other Audis. By exotic car standards, though, the R8 is remarkably comfortable as a daily driver, and visibility is surprisingly good in all directions. On twisting roads, the R8's preposterous power, quick reflexes and heroic grip conspire to make this 3,600-pound supercar feel almost as nimble as a lightweight roadster.
Speaking of power, the V10 adds an appreciable amount, as well as a uniquely racy soundtrack, but even the base V8 is one of the best-sounding and most tractable engines we've experienced. We can't recommend the outdated single-clutch R tronic gearbox, as its slow-witted, cranky upshifts make the car sluggish and clumsy when driven around town. The conventional manual transmission, on the other hand, is a joy to operate, featuring an excellent mechanical feel augmented by a loud, metallic "clack-clack"as you row through the exposed gates. We strongly suggest that you get the manual.
While the V10-powered models do provide a performance advantage, we can't justify the additional outlay of cash in light of how truly good the V8 versions are. Furthermore, unless you're spending an unusual amount of time at a racetrack, where hundredths of a second actually means something, we'd pass on the R8 GT 5.2 as well. The GT's weight reduction regimen reduces some of its everyday appeal, with significantly less sound insulation and a slightly jarring ride.
Interior
As with every Audi, the R8 has a cabin finely crafted from top-notch materials. The seats are comfortable for long-distance travel and the driving position suits a wide range of people. We like the center stack's elegant swoop away from the driver, but this means that major controls require an awkward reach. In particular, the navigation and audio controls are operated by an unintuitive, dash-mounted knob located next to the display screen.
Audi claims there's enough room behind the R8 coupe's seats for a pair of golf bags, but you'd have to be pretty hard-pressed for country club transport to try that. The 3.5-cubic-foot front trunk is awkwardly shaped and barely provides enough space for an overnight bag (a Porsche 911 is a minivan by comparison). As such, the R8 is not the right choice for a long-distance road trip.
2012 Audi R8 models
The 2012 Audi R8 is a two-seat exotic supercar available in 4.2 Coupe, 4.2 Spyder, 5.2 Coupe, 5.2 Spyder and GT 5.2 Coupe 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 wipers, automatic climate control, heated 10-way power seats (with four-way power-adjustable lumbar), leather and faux suede upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The Convenience package adds hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and interior storage nets. Also optional are LED headlights, carbon-ceramic brakes, a fully leather-upholstered interior, a navigation system, iPod interface and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The 4.2 Spyder adds an electrically powered soft top and a retractable rear window that doubles as a wind deflector. The R8 5.2 Coupe and Spyder add a V10 engine, different suspension tuning, different wheels, LED headlights and slight differences in exterior details. The GT 5.2 will initially be offered only as a coupe, and only 90 examples are destined for the U.S. market. A Spyder version is expected later in the year.
The 5.2 models also include the 4.2 options as standard, minus the all-leather upholstery and carbon-ceramic brakes. A variety of carbon-fiber exterior and interior trim packages are available on all models, while the coupes can be equipped with alternate "side blade" finishes.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2 out of 5 stars2/5Average
#64 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi R8 from 2008-2022.$838/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.67x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).30.2%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Audi R8.
5 star(100%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
21 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
So close to perfect . . .
mpyles1, 07/14/2011
2011 Audi R8 5.2 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 6M)
I took delivery of my first R8 in Jan 2008 and of my second (V10) in July 2010.
Both are amazing machines, giving an average driver such as me a sense of control over the car and safety in aggressive driving that I have never experienced in other cars.
If you want to beat every car you'll ever meet at a stoplight off the line, this is the not the car for you.
Several Porsches, a few V12 … Italians, and even one Cadillac and one Corvette can do it, even with the V10.
But none do it with this combination of speed, control, safety, looks and noise -- undoubtably the best-executed set of inevitable design tradeoffs automotive engineers have ever pulled off.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my R8
Walter Conn, 11/23/2015
2011 Audi R8 5.2 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 6AM)
I bought it used, and feel I definitely got a good bang for the buck. It's a gorgeous car that turns heads, even though I couldn't care less about that. It's of course a super car, and the performance, handling and braking are fantastic. What's different is that in the regular settings, this car is far more driveable than many high performance cars. It's very comfortable, and could … easily be a daily driver, whereas many of the others in this category beat your kidneys and back up. I love the car and plan on keeping it for many years. I've had almost zero mechanical issues in two years, and just really enjoy it.
5 out of 5 stars
No regrets
Truth, 10/26/2008
2008 Audi R8 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6AM)
I've had this car nearly a year, and it earns all the accolades it has received in the extensive press coverage. It has enough power for street use even if slightly underpowered. Although it handles nearly as good as anything out there at 10/10ths, most non-professionals could likely get closer to the limits without tragedy than in other high- performance cars. Although it is borderline … in power for an exotic, it's appeal is definitely in the exotic category. It is also incredibly comfortable, and I've had no problem issues in 11,000 miles. Versus its class, it has tremendous fuel economy.
4.88 out of 5 stars
MY R8
HTX, 01/14/2009
2009 Audi R8 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)
2009 Audi R8 silver/black interiors with carbon sideblades. After a year of wait I received my fully loaded R8 almost for Christmas. I chose manual transmission as it is a real sports car. The car works flawlessly, it is beautiful and attracts a lot of attention, the driving experience is unparalleled. I use it as my daily driver, I plan to put 10,000 miles per year to it; you get used … to the task of driving it in the city traffic and the constant looks and comments from almost everyone. The engine roars with menace after 4,000 rpm, the sound is breathtaking. Today, I would not choose any other car over this one, maybe in 3 years when the roadster is available.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Audi R8, so we've included reviews for other years of the R8 since its last redesign.
2012 R8 Highlights
Coupe
4.2 quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $114,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $370/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 3.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the R8 include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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