Audi R8 Detailed Review

The 2009 Audi R8 ranks 7 out of 7 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Audi R8, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Audi R8 is admired for its sporty, yet comfortable, nature. Combined with head-turning style and a luxurious cabin, it's no surprise that it's favorably compared to costlier exotics.

Introduced in 2008, the R8 is Audi's first attempt at manufacturing a mid-engine sports car, let alone an exotic. Fortunately for everyone, reviewers find that Audi accomplished its goal. The R8 is praised for its rocket-like speed and sporty handling dynamics, yet is comfortable enough to use as a daily driver. What's more, its cabin is roomy and offers comfortable, supportive seating for two. And its looks? Please. "Admirers will be gawking everywhere the R8 goes," writes Road and Track. "It's like trying not to stare at Salma Hayek walking by -- an R8 is just plain hard to ignore." Though the R8 isn't without faults, they're largely insignificant when taken as a whole.

If you're in the market for an exotic sports car, also check out the Aston Martin Vantage. It costs about the same as the R8, but trumps it in nearly every category. And while it's true that the R8 is quicker off-the-line, few exotics match the Vantage's silky smooth transmission and comfortable sports handling.

With the exception of a new six-disc CD changer and Bluetooth connectivity, the Audi R8 carries into the 2009 model-year virtually unchanged.

• "Toting up the R8's many assets and few liabilities yields a highly positive bottom line. Audi is to be commended for diving into the deep end of the sports car pool and swimming strongly among sharks possessed of seriously sharp teeth." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Named for the race car that was unbeatable in five appearances at the Le Mans 24-hour race, the R8 represents an ambitious step up for Audi, a mid-engined two-seater offering enough speed to get you arrested within a couple city blocks and looks-like-a-supercar-to-me styling." -- Car and Driver
• "What's more, while the Audi's sonorous V8 makes it thrillingly quick, the GT-R and Z06 are quicker still, as is the competitively priced 911 GT3. Only when one considers that the R8 is based on the exclusive Lamborghini Gallardo does its price tag seem somewhat reasonable." -- Edmunds
• "By all accounts, the 2009 Audi R8 is a supercar, but that doesn't mean it's uncompromising and hard-edged. It's an incredibly capable performance machine, yet every bit as luxurious as it is sporting. ... Then again, it had better be really good if it is to compete with its most obvious rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo." -- Kelley Blue Book

R8 Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)

Test drivers find that the R8 makes a mean racer, but is still comfortable enough to drive on a day-to-day basis. "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," writes Car and Driver. Its transmission options, however, garner mixed reviews. continue

R8 Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

Most auto writers love the R8's out-of-this-world exterior design. Kelley Blue Book writes: "Audi's R8 is styled unlike anything else on the road, with sweeping arcs and muscular lines that are more suited to a concept car than a road-going one. ... From what we can tell, the R8 might not look out of place in the year 2109." Still, not all reviewers think its hot. In fact, its side blades are the source of much controversy. continue

R8 Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

Auto critics report that the R8's cabin is stylish and comfortable. "The interior design is unique to R8 and driver-focused, but it's as beautifully finished and tightly assembled as that of an A8," writes Motor Trend. Even so, some reviewers complain of mild ergonomic quirks. continue

R8 Safety - NA

The '09 R8 has not yet been crash tested by the federal government. However, it features a long list of assuring safety technology -- including Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system. continue

R8 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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). The R8 carries a standard four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue


ADVANTAGES

• Blasts from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds
• Sporty ride, yet comfortable for daily use
• Original, attention-grabbing exterior design
• Spacious cabin features supportive seats for two

DISADVANTAGES:

• Transmissions received mixed reviews
• Exterior side blades not liked by all
• Some ergonomic quirks and little cargo room
• Hampered rearward visibility