How fast can the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder go? Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago applies the slam-the-gas-and-see-what-happens approach to testing out the Audi R8 Spyder sports car's naturally aspirated 540-horsepower V10 at California Speedway in Fontana, California. Spoiler alert: This supercar is really, really fast.
Transcript
CARLOS LAGO: That right there is the Audi R8 Spider. It's got a v10 and 540 horsepower, and on this episode of the Edmunds' smash hit, How Fast Can It Go in a Straight Line, we're going to find out how fast it can go in a straight line. It's a descriptive title. So, the first part of acceleration testing always begins with my favorite part of testing in general, the 'just slam the gas and see what happens' approach, so let's do that. A little leisurely off the line there, we didn't get a super hard launch, but that's really fast acceleration for just turning the car on and mashing the gas. Next, we'll put it into the Dynamic setting, turn on the Sport Stability Control, and play around with launch control which should make that pretty easy. We're going to put the R8 in Dynamic mode, I'm going to hold the brake with my left foot, mash the gas with my right, and then release the brake when it seems like it's ready to go. I should put the traction control in sport too, that might help. Let's give it a try. All right, that's-- that's launch control. So that dropped significant time from the acceleration. Couple of things I noticed, so when you mash the gas up when you're folding the car with your brake. You activate launch control, the engine revs up to 3,500 or 4,000 RPM, I couldn't really tell, I wasn't paying that close of attention to it. The launch is a lot more aggressive, there's actually some rear tire slip, and that helps get the car moving faster, because the end is operating at a higher speed, giving the car more power to accelerate. In launch control mode, the gearshifts actually have a kick. If you don't put it in launch and smash the gas the gear shifts are so smooth, it's almost like you're in a CVT. You just move from one gear to the next, without any sense that it's happening. In launch control they actually kick the transmission when it changes gears and that could be for excitement, there might actually be small benefit to doing that too in regard to acceleration, either way, it's really quick and not too difficult to get into and access. There are way clunkier and more confusing launch control systems, and who can argue with the performance? That's really fast for a car with just 540 horsepower. So, for this run, we're just going to keep doing the same thing, we already know generally, with the launch controls don't make this car do it might try something different come off the brake a little bit sooner as we're getting the launch control, and see if it helps at all, but let's just be honest, this is for fun. So coming off the brake a little sooner actually slowed the car down but by a matter of hundreds, not even tenths, so, it doesn't seem to matter what I do, this car is just going to do what it does, and that is, go very fast. This R8 V10, it's not even the most powerful one, they do a plus that has 610 horsepower. But this, even with 540 horsepower, that's still a lot. Even though cars in this range have more power-- some cars do at least-- this is still really fast, you're still looking at a zero to 60 in the mid-three second range, a quarter mile and the high 11s, that's incredible for a naturally aspirated car, especially one that weighs 4,000 pounds. So all right, very fast. Glad we could find that out. Captain obvious reporting that super cars are fun. Thanks for watching. If you want to see more, keep it tuned right here.
Audi's signature R8 exotic sports car is fully redesigned for the 2017 model year. The new car still looks very familiar, but there are plenty of changes elsewhere that help boost the car's performance and everyday appeal.
Audi is still borrowing basic hardware for the R8 from Lamborghini, but now the Huracan is the source rather than the Gallardo. Though the R8 remains all-wheel drive, there have been some key drivetrain changes for 2017. The base V8 engine is gone, so the previously optional 5.2-liter V10 powerplant is the only choice. And the traditional manual transmission is gone, along with its throwback gated metal shifter, leaving only the seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The R8 comes in two trim levels, V10 and V10 Plus. The base V10 edition's engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, while the power behind the V10 Plus is boosted to 610 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. The mightier engine vaults the R8 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds; the base version is just a bit behind at 3.5 seconds.
If the R8's exterior was not in need of change, that wasn't the case inside, where the speedy Audi was a snapshot of mid-2000s design. For 2017, the R8 employs Audi's Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, a 12.3-inch display screen in front of the driver that shows a virtual analog speedometer and tachometer, with infotainment functions displayed between those gauges.
This eliminates the need for a display in the middle of the dashboard and gives the R8's cockpit a streamlined, focused atmosphere, without the visual distraction of that commonplace LCD screen. Audi has followed Ferrari's lead by adding the starter button and drive mode selector to the steering wheel, in the fashion of modern race cars. There is also a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for audio entertainment, which thankfully now includes USB inputs to connect your phone.
What is surprisingly missing for such a high-end model, however, are increasingly common advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation with automatic braking. But we're guessing that with one full-throttle blast of the V10 engine, you're not going to be too worried about that. Use the additional information on Edmunds to help you find the perfect 2017 Audi R8.
2017 Audi R8 Overview
The 2017 Audi R8 is offered in the following submodels: Convertible, Coupe. Available styles include V10 plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), V10 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), and V10 quattro Spyder 2dr Convertible AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM). R8 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 R8 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual. The 2017 R8 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Audi R8 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Audi R8 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 R8 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Audi R8? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Audi R8 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 R8 a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 R8.
Vehicle V10 plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM)
Review Went to buy new Ferrari, saw R8 and saved over $150,000, and got same performance.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Audi R8
2017 Audi R8 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Audi R8 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 1 new and 12 used and CPO 2017 R8s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 148999 and mileage as low as 8. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Audi R8. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 28535 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 R8 available from one of 2633 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2017 audi r8 V10 plus quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (required) 17 combined MPG 14 city MPG/22 highway MPG
2017 audi r8 V10 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (required) 17 combined MPG 14 city MPG/22 highway MPG
2017 audi r8 V10 quattro Spyder 2dr Convertible AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (required) 17 combined MPG 14 city MPG/22 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Audi R8?
Available Audi R8 2017 Submodel Types: Coupe, Convertible
Available Audi R8 2017 Trims: quattro, 4.2 quattro, V10 quattro, 5.2 quattro, 5.2 quattro Spyder, V10 plus quattro, V10 quattro Spyder, V8 quattro, V8 quattro Spyder
Exterior Colors: Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Ibis White, Phantom Black Pearl Effect, Florett Silver Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Suzuka Gray Metallic
Interior Colors: Black premium leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Express Red Stitching premium leather, Black Fine w/Dark Silver Stitching premium leather, Luxor Beige premium leather, Red premium leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Navigation, Back-up camera, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, USB Inputs, Keyless Entry/Start, Mobile Internet, Soft Top, Upgraded Stereo
Engine/Mechanics: 8, 10 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
