2014 Audi R8

This mid-engined two-seat German exotic supercar is sensual from every angle, imparts impeccable driving and handling, and still manages to be an incredible tourer or cruiser. The coupe is available in three different variants with a price range between $114,900 to $170,545. Let’s compare the R8 with some potent rivals such as the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Dodge Viper GTS.

To avail of the 2014 Audi R8 Coupe, buyers need to shed a minimum sum of $114,900 for the Quattro V8 trim. In addition to that, the vehicle also comes in V10 and V10 Plus trim levels with the Quattro V10 Plus Automatic, carrying a hefty price tag of $151,200 and $170,545, respectively. And since the R8 Coupe is strictly an all-wheel-drive supercar, buyers can only opt between manual or automatic transmission.

Since it’s an Audi, there are always additional bells and whistles to avail in addition to the standard offerings. The Quattro V8 can be availed with a Convenience package that adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors, and interior storage nets. Carbon-ceramic brakes, a fully leather-upholstered interior, a faux-suede headliner, a navigation system, an iPod interface, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system are also available as standalone options.

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The Audi R8 V10 is the best middle ground as it features all the bells and whistles that are optional on the V8 trim. It also secures the adaptive suspension and power seats along with a more vicious engine and gearbox combo that is bound to carve corners, even while not on a track. If one needs the ultimate beast in the form of the Audi R8, one can go with the V10 Plus trim as it offers 25-hp more than the regular V10.

The 2014 Audi R8 Coupe is motivated by a brawny 4.2L V8 that churns out 430-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in the auto variant that replaces the old and clunky 6-speed manual. But buyers looking for stick shift would be delighted to hear that the 6-speed manual transmission is also available. 

Upgrading to Quattro V10 trim adds a Lamborghini sourced 5.2L V10 that can shatter the eardrums yet remains to be a melody to enthusiasts. This V10 when fitted to the R8 produces 525-hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping V10 Plus trim features the same V10 motor but is tuned to churn out 25-hp more, hence making a wallopping 550 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

The Audi R8 V8 is insanely quick, even in its V8-base configuration, as it’s capable of scooting off to 60-mph from standstill in 4.2-seconds and can munch a quarter-mile in just 12.8-seconds. It is a muscular supercar, but even in its prime packaging, it can’t match the likes of the Godzilla of automobiles, the Nissan GTR, which punches out similar figures as the Audi but performs better in both 0-60 mph and quarter-mile figures. 

Supercars and efficiency can never walk the same paths, and despite strife, the 2014 Audi R8 V8 manages a decent 17 mpg combined with the 7-speed auto-shift manual transmission, while the manual transmission drops it to 14 mpg combined. The V10 motor drops the economy to 16 mpg combined. The real fossil fuel chugger, the V10 Plus delivers similar figures, but it features a smaller 19.8-gallon fuel tank, meant to save weight. Also, the automatic R8s are more economic than the ones with a manual unit, and the difference is also substantial.

The Dodge Viper GTS might be blisteringly quick, but it loves to chug fuel heavily. In terms of economy, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S leads the game, followed by Nissan GT-R. But if you are looking for a grand-tourer, the R8 offers satisfactory economy and the best mileage in the rivalry. When comparing the overall range, Porsche offers the most at 378 miles combined.

The Germans are known for their perfection with their lavish interiors, and the 2014 Audi R8 Coupe stands on the same reputation. Since it’s a hefty price-tag supercar, there’s room for just two, the driver and someone in their good-list. The interior is packed with high-quality materials and supreme design, and the layout is very simple and intuitive. Behind the only two seats, there’s a void that can be used to throw shopping bags into. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, even in the base R8 V8 attire, but for extra bucks, the Convenience package garnishes the interiors with a top-notch design.

The coupe beholds a fully leather-upholstered interior, while the buyers can also add the diamond pattern-stitching seats. The Convenience package also adds interior storage nets for smaller accessories. The minuscule crowd that is big-fan of carbon fiber and doesn’t have much to do with power seats or adaptive suspension, the V10 Plus brings the perfect list of features. The interior of the V10 Plus is equipped with abundant carbon-fiber trim and lesser sound insulation, so be ready to hear the V10 roaring. Also be ready to pack light as the 2014 R8 has only space for 3.5 cu-ft of cargo, that too in the frunk(front-boot).

The supercar leagues come with compromises of seating, and the Nissan GT-R Track Edition drops the rear seats. The rear seats are highly unfunctional for adults with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. For more cargo space, the Dodge Viper GTS might be the perfect pick. When comparing the cargo capacity, Dodge comes out to be the most practical option with 14.7 cubic feet of space. Standout interior features of the R8 include:

• Automatic climate control
• Heated eight-way power seats (with four-way power-adjustable lumbar)
• Leather and faux suede upholstery
• Premium leather and faux suede headliner (convenience package)
• Carbon-fiber interior trim (V10 Plus)
• Gated metal shifter (manual models only)

How intuitive is the 2014 Audi R8 Coupe’s infotainment unit?

The 2014 Audi R8 isn’t the most hi-tech supercar, but it still features some toys or let’s say entertainment features to play with. The base R8 Coupe fits a seven-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer along with Bluetooth, auxiliary audio jack, and satellite radio. The Convenience package adds a navigation system, an iPod interface, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Some of the standout infotainment features are:

• Bluetooth
• Six-CD changer
• Auxiliary audio jack
• Satellite radio
• Navigation system
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system

The 2014 Audi R8 Coupe boasts some minute cosmetic upgrades, which include new LED headlights, redesigned side mirrors, and new wheel designs. Besides that, the vehicle carries the same iconic styling and very sporty and aggressive styling cues. The V10 Plus R8 brings a shower of carbon-fiber trim that not only sheds some weight but looks sensual to its elegant silhouette. The coupes can also be equipped with alternate "side blade" finishes. However, even the base R8 Coupe carries the charisma to turn heads and make a glorious entrance at any main event.

Each of the rivals has its distinctive styling and a huge following. In the lot, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and the R8 Coupe have a smaller footprint, while the Nissan GT-R is literally a monster in terms of proportions. When comparing the curb weight, Porsche is the lightest while Nissan is the heaviest, measuring 3,186 and 3,796 lbs, respectively. Some of the standout exterior features:

• 19-inch wheels with summer tires
• Adaptive suspension
• Carbon-fiber exterior trim
• Carbon-ceramic brakes

The 2014 Audi R8 Coupe is undoubtedly an exciting and adrenaline-rushing supercar, but it also packs various standard safety aids. It includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, side and knee airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Though there are no safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS to back the safety, rest assured that the German supercar shields its occupants in case of any mishap. Some of the standout safety features are:

• Driver and passenger airbags with front side airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rearview camera
• Brake-assist
• ESP
• Traction control
• Daytime running lights

Undoubtedly, the 2014 Audi R8 Coupe is an exhilarating driving experience, and if you have enough savings to own one, you don’t need to think twice. It behaves civilized on the roads, but floor the gas pedal and the monstrous side takes over, especially the ones with the Lambo-sourced V10 motor. It lacks practicality, but which supercar seats a full family? The interior is Audi level sumptuous, but it lacks advanced gadgetry, but still, the 2014 Audi R8 makes for an attractive option in the segment.