Pros: Supercar performance capabilities; traffic-stopping looks; base models are relatively reasonably priced as mid-engined exotic cars go
Cons: Minuscule cargo room; difficult entry and exit; restricted rear visibility
CG Says: The 2015 Audi R8 gets a couple new trim options and an available sport exhaust option, but is otherwise unchanged. The R8 offers head-turning style, pulse-quickening performance, and superb build quality, yet is quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting. It’s as thirsty as any high-power car, and aluminum-intensive construction makes it more costly than some rivals with equal or better speed and handling. Still, most buyers shopping for vehicles in this price class can afford a more practical second or third car, and low production insures the exclusivity such people expect. Overall, the R8 is an impressive supercar achievement and a great drive. Our pick is the smooth, yet extremely powerful V8. The V10 models are faster, but we don’t think the gains justify the steeper pricing.
| Class | Premium Sporty/Performance Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 2 |
| Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Audi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | V8 coupe: $115,900 V8 Spyder convertible: $129,400 V10 coupe: $153,900 V10 Spyder convertible: $166,100 V10 Plus Spyder convertible: $173,500 |
| Base Engine 4.2-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 430 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 11-14 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20-23 |
| Optional Engine 5.2-liter V10 |
| Horsepower 525 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 12-13 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 19-22 |
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