Audi's aluminium spaceframe provides the base on to which aluminium double wishbone suspension front and rear is attached. It has a wheelbase of 2,650mm, front and rear tracks of 1,632mm and 1,593mm respectively, and the
R8 V8
manual tips the scales at 1,560kg. The V10 has a 6mm wider front track, a rear track that is 2mm wider and kerb weight of 1,620kg.
Spyder adds 30kg to each model
Hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering is used, with 18-inch wheels as standard for the V8 and 19-inch alloys for the V10. With the V8, tyres are 235/40 R18s at the front and 285/35 R18s at the back. Choose the V10 and it has 235/35 ZR19 front tyres and 295/30 ZR19s at the rear. Replacement tyres come in at around £520 for a set of rears and £300 for fronts.
For the brakes, both the V8 and V10 models use 365mm vented front discs and 356mm rears. There is the option of carbon ceramic discs, which are standard on the V10 Plus model, and save 12kg overall compared to the steel discs. If you're considering using an R8 on track days, the ceramic discs are a good bet.
All of these components are long lasting and no owners have reported any problems with the suspension, brakes or wheels. What does split opinion, however, is the Audi Magnetic Ride Control. It offers Normal and Sport modes and works by passing an electric charge through the dampers' fluid to firm up the ride in Sport mode.
Some owners like the two different modes, while others report noticing little difference, so it is very much down to personal taste. Magnetic ride control is standard on the V10 and an option for the V8.
PHer's view:
"The car initially had a problem with noisy shock absorbers (magnetic) and 2 were replaced. A major issue was the approvals process from Audi for all warranty claims related to R8s. All complaints are very carefully studied by the factory and they can take time to process the diagnosis. Parts delivery takes even longer."
Kamal Raza
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior