Audi R8 (Kind 4S) | PH Used Shopping for Information

• Obtainable for £78,000
• 5.2-litre V10 usually aspirated, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive
• Extremely succesful, well-built and protected
• Do not imagine anybody who says an NA V10 is soulless
• That is the final petrol-powered R8
• Costs regular now however that’s more likely to change quickly

Peculiar useability, extraordinary efficiency. If the Audi R8 had a heraldic defend, that may be a good motto to placed on the banner. A McLaren 570S will get your eyes goggling with its competition-car vibe, but when your fancy is taken by one thing that feels a bit extra like a street automotive extra of the time you may nicely choose an R8. It is a human-friendly beast, the kind of automotive you might simply envisage chucking an in a single day bag into and easily motoring off to any European vacation spot with out worry of chiropractic mishap.

To some, that easygoing nature might sound completely at odds with the urgency of the Audi’s high-energy engine which wants stoking past 5,000rpm to ship severe velocity. Others will see that break up character attribute as a constructive trait that makes an R8 two vehicles in a single.

It appears to be like the bizzo too, even after greater than 15 years on the pointy finish of the heavily-scrutinised junior supercar phase. Really, make that 19 years because the 5.2 V10-powered Lamborghini Gallardo-platformed R8 idea first noticed the sunshine of day on the 2003 Frankfurt present, making subsequent 12 months its twentieth birthday. Wonderful actually.

When gen-one (Kind 42) R8 manufacturing started in 2006 for UK deliveries by mid-2007, the listing worth was £76,825 – about the identical as a recent Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Again then, Audi’s aluminium-spaceframe all-wheel drive coupe was powered by the 420hp 4.2 FSI V8 as seen within the RS4. That gave it a 0-62 time of 4.3sec and a 187mph prime velocity. Not till 2009 did the Gallardo’s howling 525hp 5.2 V10 make an look behind the R8 driver’s head, dropping the 0-62mph time to three.9sec, elevating the worth to some quid beneath £100k and repositioning the V8 because the entry-level R8. 2009 was when the primary R8 Spyder appeared too, a 12 months after pre-production convertibles had been filmed as Tony Stark’s automotive in Iron Man II. Weighing 30kg greater than the coupe, the ragtop began at just below £112k.

In 2013, after an enormous revision in mid-2012 when the R tronic auto trans was changed by the lighter S tronic, a powered-up 550hp V10 Plus variant was launched that includes new suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and 50kg much less weight. Its 0-62 time was 3.5sec and it topped out at 197mph. Two years later, in 2015, the Kind 42 was outmoded by the gen-two Kind 4S that’s the topic of this information. Constructed on the Lamborghini Huracan’s Modular Sports activities System platform, the gen-two was primarily distinguished from its predecessor by its new lights and ‘cooking pot’ grille. It was round 50kg lighter than the gen-one courtesy of its new composites and metals. A detuned 540hp model of the Huracan V10 was the gen-two’s default engine, with the Huracan’s normal 610hp engine dropped into the V10 Plus.

By this time, the 4.2 V8 was within the means of being killed off by laws and it might play no half within the gen-two R8 story. The gearboxes on the gen-two V10s have been all autos, which was a disgrace in case you have been a fan of the V8’s open-gated handbook clacker (which many have been – purchase a used one now earlier than it is too late), however as Hobson’s decisions went, the super-efficient 7-speed S tronic twin clutcher was a great one. Combining that field with the burden chop helped to snip 0.4sec off the bottom R8’s 0-62 time.

A Spyder model of the Kind 4S was launched on the 2016 New York present, initially solely with the lower-powered 540hp V10 till mid-2017, when the coupe’s 610hp V10 Plus motor additionally grew to become an possibility. That R8 Spyder V10 Plus did the 0-62 in 3.3sec and got here with sports activities bucket seats, carbon ceramic brakes and varied cabon bits as normal.

Again at Frankfurt in September 2017 Audi revealed the primary ever official rear-wheel drive R8. Not like sure Porsche 911s or the Mercedes AMG GT, the R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Sequence) did not have any rear-wheel steering aside from no matter you might handle along with your proper boot. You could not get the Plus engine on this RWS iteration, however shedding the drive componentry out of 1 finish of the automotive contributed to a different 50kg weight discount (40kg on the Spyder). Restricted to 999 examples, the RWS hauled itself by means of the 0-62 in 3.7sec (3.8sec Spyder), occurring to 199mph (197mph Spider). It seemed significantly good in Nardo Gray with an enormous boot spoiler connected.

A mid-cycle refresh got here alongside in 2018 with a lot of ‘3d optics’ black plastic honeycombing entrance and rear (and no extra aluminium grille bar) plus greater door air intakes, deeper physique skirts and oval quite than rectangular tailpipes. The concept was to spice up the R8’s aggression and thereby improve its attraction within the face of robust opposition from the McLaren 570S. Backing up the visible tweaks was a hoist in output from 540hp to 570hp and from 396lb ft to 406lb ft for the V10 base automotive, which was renamed ‘V10 quattro’. The V10 Plus (renamed ‘V10 Efficiency quattro’ within the refresh) was given a brand new light-weight titanium valvetrain and matt black titanium exhaust surrounds and had its energy ramped up from 610hp to 620hp, with a torque increase from 413lb ft to 428lb ft.

These stats signify the place each 2022 fashions are at at the moment. Each of the 2018 refresh vehicles needed to put on an additional 20kg of WLTP emissions gubbins, however the 0-62 instances have been nonetheless decreased by 0.1sec in each energy choices. There have been additionally revisions to the suspension and steering, introduced in to boost driving response and suggestions. Interiors have been mainly the identical other than some new items of Alcantara.

Let’s briefly pop again to 2015 as a result of that is when the all-electric 92kWh battery e-tron model of the R8 was finally launched, in Europe solely and solely after a lot buzzing and ahhing. Fewer than 100 e-trons have been constructed, all ‘on buyer request’. The road was closed down after a 12 months. We solely point out that as a result of Audi introduced in December 2021 that the alternative for the gen-two R8 – no matter it may be, a gen-three R8 or another halo car totally, we do not know but – shall be electrical solely. We’re assuming it may be electrical, anyway. What Audi Sport truly mentioned was that it would not be inner combustion. Perhaps they’ve perfected flux capacitor drive to slot in with the subsequent Again To The Future movie.

Both manner, if you wish to seize a bit of Audi historical past, a 2015-on gen-two R8 with the non-turbo V10 screamer at the moment presents you that. For those who’re ready to return just a few years, gen-one Kind 42s are actually getting temptingly near the £30k mark. Certainly, we noticed one privately-owned Cat D 76,000-miler at £27,000. You may additionally discover loads of late, 2015-registered Kind 42 gen-one vehicles in each V8 and V10 flavours at costs beginning under £60,000, however you may battle to search out even an early 4S V10 gen-two for lower than £80,000. Automobiles at that stage will are likely to have had multiple proprietor and can sometimes have 12,000 miles greater than the common (which for a 2015 automotive is round 26,000 miles).

Some huge cash then, however is the R8 plenty of automotive, or only a supersized TT? For those who’re sufficient in R8s to have reached this level within the story you most likely assume you already know the reply to that, however let’s attempt to kind an goal view on it by getting down and never so soiled among the many unique entrails of an R8.

Engine: 5,204cc V10 40v twin naturally aspirated
Transmission: 7-speed automated, rear-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 540 (610) @8,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398 (413) @6,500rpm
0-62mph (secs): 3.5 (3.2) (0.1 sec off these instances for 2018 refresh)
Prime velocity (mph): 201 (205)
Weight (kg): 1,670 (1,630)
MPG (official mixed): 24.8 (23.0)
CO2 (g/km): 272 (287)
Wheels (in): 8.5 x 19 (f), 11 x 19 (r)
Tyres: 245/35 (f), 295/35 (r)
On sale: 2015 – on
Worth new: £118,000 (£134,000)
Worth now: from £78,000
(Figures in brackets for V10 Plus)

Word for reference: automotive weight and energy knowledge is tough to pin down with absolute certainty. For consistency, we use the identical supply for all our guides. We hope the information we use is correct extra typically than it’s incorrect. Our recommendation is to deal with it as relative quite than definitive.

Assembled in Hungary, the R8’s dry sump V10 engine redlined at a spectacular 8,850rpm. It had a ‘cylinder-on-demand’ deactivation function which, beneath low to intermediate load circumstances in any of the highest 4 gears, would shut down one whole financial institution of cylinders. Not like another comparable methods (together with Audi’s personal RS7), the R8’s was nicely nigh undetectable in use. There was additionally a coasting operate to disconnect the gearbox from the engine when it wasn’t wanted, all with a view to serving to you enhance on the official mixed (and to the automotive’s credit score, real-world achievable) gas consumption determine of 24.8mpg, or 23mpg for the Plus/Efficiency fashions.

The V10 wasn’t resistant to carbon buildup nonetheless because it was (and is) a direct injection design, which suggests the consumption ports and valves do not all the time keep clear. And like many different VW/Audi engines these ones can endure from untimely ignition coil pack failure.

The V10 was additionally prone to consumption manifold points because of both the runner flaps sticking open or closed or the sensor conking out. Like the problems already talked about, this wasn’t in any manner widespread or anticipated within the R8 however it may occur. Oil ranges are all the time price checking on these motors as they will devour it. The one engine-related recall we’re conscious of was for a possible leak of fluid from a transmission fluid vent hose on 2017-18 MY vehicles.

Energy distribution by means of the quattro all-wheel drive was absolutely variable between nought and one hundred percent for both axle, though the default association put barely extra by means of the rears. The rear diff lock was mechanical and the clutch was water-cooled.

Good upkeep is essential for vehicles on this sector. Though Audi declare that an R8 will be serviced by any Audi supplier they particularly exclude the R8 from their public Service Plans, which is lower than clear. A non-dealer outfit like Backdraft Motorsport in Milton Keynes quotes £450 for an annual oil and inspection service, together with VAT, components and labour. Engine oil must be changed each 10,000 miles or yearly, brake fluid each two years, and the battery each 20,000 miles or two years. Anticipate a V10 R8’s total price per mile to be between £1.40 and £1.90 relying on mannequin.

Aluminium double-wishbone suspension with electromechanical steering have been normal R8 fare. Dynamic variable ratio steering was an possibility with Audi drive choose however the advantages weren’t all the time apparent to homeowners driving under nine-tenths, which was most of them.

The absence of rear-wheel steering on the 2017-on rear-drive RWS mannequin wasn’t actually a problem as a result of even with out the full-power 610hp engine the 540hp V10 was greater than sufficient for back-end play. You simply needed to dial in Dynamic mode into Audi drive choose and set the soundness management to Sport.

The 2018-refresh Efficiency mannequin added three new drive choose modes – Dry, Moist and Snow – to the usual choice of Consolation, Auto, Dynamic and Particular person modes so as to align the drive and suspension methods extra intently to the street’s grippability. Magnetic experience adaptive damper management was an choice to counteract physique dip, and it labored nicely. Some earlier R8s with that possibility suffered from damper failure at fairly low mileages. Sorting the issue may generate a near-five determine invoice, however fortunately (so far as we all know) it was confined to pre-2011 Kind 42 vehicles.

Commonplace wheel sizes have been 19in however you might possibility 20s. The V10 Plus and Efficiency had carbon-ceramic brakes as normal. For those who ever had want of a brand new alternative CC disc they’re obtainable on tinternet (often from German suppliers) for round £1,850 every.

The Kind 4S R8’s multimaterial Audi House Body blended aluminium with CFRP in an 80/20 ratio. Even within the Spyder the chassis solely weighed 208kg. The material roof of the Spyder weighed one other 44kg and was stretched over a construction primarily composed of magnesium and aluminium. Opening and shutting it took 20secs (every) and may very well be completed at speeds of as much as 31mph.

On the 2018 refresh mannequin three exterior packages have been obtainable relying on the engine variant, including varied highlights to the entrance splitter, facet trims and diffuser. Two new colors have been added to the doubtless kaleidoscopic R8 physique palette: Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue, and you might have the Audi rings and badges in excessive gloss black. You could possibly spot the RWS mannequin by its preponderance of matt-black exterior detailing. Consumers got the prospect to make their RWS seem like an LMS GT 4 racer by having a purple stripe placed on it, although most most well-liked that to remain within the can the place it belonged.

The capability of the gen-two’s entrance boot, or frunk as our US mates would name it, is 112 litres. Not a terrific deal, however at the least that is 12 litres up on the gen-one and a bit greater than a Huracan’s. The issue with seizing bootlid hinges on Kind 42 vehicles has not recurred on Kind 4S gen-twos.

Naturally you bought a hi-res 12.3in Audi Digital Cockpit in your R8, in addition to MMI Navigation that these days comes with MMI contact which recognises your handwriting for digital (within the finger sense) character enter. MMI points should not unknown however these are often software program associated and due to this fact usually fixable through a reflash.

Spyders are nice however it is advisable to bear a few issues in thoughts. One, there’s much less legroom in them than within the coupe, and two, you will not be capable to see the attractive V10 lump from the cabin like you’ll be able to within the coupe.

Kind 42 R8s acquired a nasty repute for aircon compressor failure which sadly may solely be accessed within the V8 by eradicating the engine, a 38-hour job that made the 10-hour equal within the V10 seem like a cakewalk. We’re not conscious of this being an issue on the 4S fashions nonetheless.

The R8 won’t have gained many group assessments in opposition to its friends however that is extra all the way down to the excellence of the friends – masterpieces just like the McLaren 570S, 992-gen Porsche 911 – quite than any main failing with the Audi. In isolation it is a great and mature coupe with the potential to be splendidly immature in case you saved your proper foot in for lengthy sufficient in every gear.

Some will deem the R8 to be a bit soulless or an engine seeking a automotive, however in case you’re in that camp possibly attempt operating one as much as 8,700rpm earlier than re-reading the earlier sentence. You needn’t be afraid of doing that both as a result of with the potential exception of some early gen-one vehicles which suffered from occasional hesitation beneath energy within the intermediate gears and paint points the R8 has been just about trouble-free.

R8s are nonetheless put collectively by a small crew at Neckarsulm’s Audi Sport facility on as close to a handbuilt foundation as you are more likely to discover within the mainstream motor trade, however their days are numbered, so in case you’re even vaguely interested by stepping into an R8, now may be the time. Within the US at the least, used values for vehicles like 911s, McLarens and Honda NSXs appear to be going up, however gen-two R8s do not seem to have been caught up in that spiral but. Which may change quickly when individuals realise there will not be any extra IC-engined R8s as soon as the 2023 mannequin 12 months vehicles (that are scheduled to start out manufacturing in July of this 12 months) have been constructed. A brand new R8 GT is anticipated in some unspecified time in the future this 12 months (2022), however that shall be it.

At present, in February 2022, solely the coupe seems on Audi UK’s web site. The Spyder continues to be a part of the vary although and clearly nonetheless incomes its preserve within the sunny US at costs from $161k (£118k) to $213k (£156k). Right here within the UK you will get the RWD model of the V10 coupe (which launched on the finish of 2021) at costs ranging from £129,785, however the quattros now begin at a not insignificant £149,980, with the spraunced-up Version variant coming in at a whoppertastic £156,890.

Good job then that on the accessible finish of the used market lower than half that quantity (£77,790) buys you a selection of purple or black 2016 V10s with 26k and 34k miles respectively. For an additional £5k or so you might be on this stealthy 2018 8,000-mile RWS at £82,995, one of many 999 constructed and one thing you might simply see as a ‘sportlich’ R8. £83k is an efficient worth for considered one of these. The following most cost-effective RWSs in PH Classifieds are a 12 months newer however £10k costlier.

Put £3k onto that RWS’s worth and also you’re in 602hp all-wheel drive territory within the form of this 2016 V10 Plus with 35,000 miles. For those who’re a Spyder man, or certainly lady, this was essentially the most reasonably priced one on PH on the time of writing, a 2017 specimen in white for £86,475 which (together with different equally priced examples) reveals us that the premium when the Spyder was new is not fairly so onerous secondhand.