There are two engines to choose from with the Audi R8: a 4.2-litre V8 and a 5.2-litre V10. The V8 was initially launched with 420hp at 8,250rpm and 317lb ft of torque. This was raised to 430hp in September 2010, though torque remained the same. The V8 uses dry sump lubrication and has four valves per cylinder. It drives through a six-speed manual gearbox or a Ricardo six-speed single plate automated manual called R Tronic. This was replaced in mid-2012 with Audi's own seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch DSG transmission, which is also offered for V10 models.
R8 launched with a 4.2 V8; 420hp and 317lb ft
The 5,204cc V10 engine is much the same as used in the
Lamborghini Gallardo
. In the Audi, it's been used in 525-, 550- and 560hp outputs depending on the model, though the 560hp variant has only been offered with limited edition models.
Power is divided between the front and rear axles 30/70, so the R8 has a distinct rear-wheel drive bias. More power can be sent to the front wheels if the Quattro system detects a loss of traction at the rear wheels. Most owners prefer the later S Tronic dual-clutch 'box to the earlier automated manual.
The gearboxes are very reliable and only one PH owner has reported a problem with a grinding noise. This gearbox was replaced under warranty with no further issues reported. Clutches last well on manual gearbox R8s and you can expect 40,000 miles before a replacement is required. For cars with the R Tronic gearbox, this is more likely to be 25,000, while the S Tronic has so far been trouble-free and easy on its twin clutches.
V10 originally made 525hp and 391lb ft
Engines have also proved to be extremely reliable, with oil consumption the only point to look out for. The V8 seems to be more thirsty for oil, using up to a litre every 1,000 miles, so it does need to be checked regularly. The V10 uses about half a litre per 1,000 miles, but both engines generally use less when they have around 20,000 miles on the clock.
Service intervals are variable and can stretch up to 20,000 miles or two years depending on use. Watch out for cars with sub-20,000-mile odometer readings that are beyond two years old but have not been serviced by a careless owner.
Audi's own approved used stock of R8s will all be standard as the company has a policy of not selling modified cars. This means the exhaust on any Audi Approved used car will be standard, which many owners don't like because it's too quiet. Milltek Sport exhausts are the most popular replacement to get a better noise without making the car too tiring to drive on longer trips. Hang on to the standard exhaust if you do upgrade, though, as you may want it when trading in at an Audi dealer.
You might also want to ask an Audi dealer about the only R8 recall, which was issued in August 2011 for a possible fuel leak in the R8 Spyder models built up to that date. All cars affected should now have improved fuel pipes fitted.
PHer's view:
"The manual is great, a proper old school gated gear shift that really bangs in when you want it to. The clutch is really heavy for those not used to this type of gearbox and needs to be fully engaged to get some of the gears in smoothly which you need to remember when driving quickly."
Nick Sealy