X

Photos: 2008 Audi R8

The 2008 Audi R8 is a serious blast to drive on the right roads and would be incredible on the track, but we recommend going with the manual transmission to make it more drivable in everyday circumstances. The cabin electronics work well enough but aren't cutting-edge.

CNET Reviews staff
32419003-2-440-0.jpg
1 of 24 CNET Networks
Audi's supercar gets its name from Audi's successful Le Mans racer. The R8 was introduced in 2006.
32419003-2-440-FRONT.jpg
2 of 24 CNET Networks
Although the grille uses Audi styling cues, the R8 is like nothing else in the automaker's production line.
32419003-2-440-SS20.jpg
3 of 24 CNET Networks
The headlights are bi-xenon, while parking lights are white LEDs. The new Audi A4, launching this year, is also getting the LED treatment.
32419003-2-440-SIDE.jpg
4 of 24 CNET Networks
The R8 uses the same chassis as the Lamborghini Gallardo, with which it shares 15 percent of its parts.
32419003-2-440-SS01.jpg
5 of 24 CNET Networks
The R8's tires are impressively big, with 295/30s in back and 235/35s in front. Front brake calipers use eight pistons, while the rear calipers get four.
32419003-2-440-SS02.jpg
6 of 24 CNET Networks
Our review car was coated in a color called Phantom Black Pearl Effect, which looked brownish to us. The panel behind the doors is black, no matter what color is chosen for the body.
32419003-2-440-SS03.jpg
7 of 24 CNET Networks
The taillights use LEDs, while blades in all the air vents and ducts add a stylish effect.
32419003-2-440-SS04.jpg
8 of 24 CNET Networks
Similar to its TT, Audi uses an automatic spoiler on the R8 that rises when the car hits 75 mph.
32419003-2-440-SS05.jpg
9 of 24 CNET Networks
The engine, mounted just behind the seats and in front of the rear wheels, is displayed under a glass cover.
32419003-2-440-SS06.jpg
10 of 24 CNET Networks
The R8 gets Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive standard and magnetic damping on the suspension, giving it incredible handling.
32419003-2-440-SS07.jpg
11 of 24 CNET Networks
The eight-cylinder engine uses two longitudinal banks and produces 420 horsepower. The engine uses Audi's direct injection technology.
32419003-2-440-SS08.jpg
12 of 24 CNET Networks
These seats are all you get, as the R8 is a two-seat coupe. As the engine is behind the seats, the cargo area is in front, although it is very small.
32419003-2-440-INTERIOR.jpg
13 of 24 CNET Networks
All of the instrumentation, including the MMI controller for the navigation, audio, and phone system, is all focused toward the driver.
32419003-2-440-SS09.jpg
14 of 24 CNET Networks
For most of our driving, we set the center display to show the car's speed and watched that and the tachometer.
32419003-2-440-SS10.jpg
15 of 24 CNET Networks
The R tronic transmission is optional in the R8. It's a sequential manual gearbox originally developed by Lamborghini. In manual mode, it shifts very quickly, but it makes the car difficult to drive in automatic mode, with big rev drops between gears.
32419003-2-440-SS11.jpg
16 of 24 CNET Networks
We are on familiar territory with the navigation system, having seen it in other Audi models.
32419003-2-440-SS12.jpg
17 of 24 CNET Networks
To enter destinations, you have to input one letter at a time using this rotary interface, which can get tedious.
32419003-2-440-SS13.jpg
18 of 24 CNET Networks
Route guidance works just fine with this navigation system, although it's not quite as advanced as systems found in other cars.
32419003-2-440-SS14.jpg
19 of 24 CNET Networks
This six-disc changer is optional and mounted on the rear cabin wall, between the seats. The placement isn't particularly convenient, and it can't read MP3 CDs.
32419003-2-440-SS15.jpg
20 of 24 CNET Networks
If you want to play MP3 tracks in the R8, there are two SD card slots behind the LCD.
32419003-2-440-SS16.jpg
21 of 24 CNET Networks
We liked the audio quality from the base system, which uses seven speakers and a 140 watt amp, but there is an optional Bang & Olufsen system with a 465 watt amp.
32419003-2-440-SS17.jpg
22 of 24 CNET Networks
Audi lets you integrate a phone with either a cradle or Bluetooth.
32419003-2-440-SS18.jpg
23 of 24 CNET Networks
The phone integration is excellent. The system can download your phone's contacts, and you can manually program in entries.
32419003-2-440-SS19.jpg
24 of 24 CNET Networks
Audi has an excellent parking system, with a rear-view camera that shows where the car will go as the wheels are turned. There is also a sonar system to warn of obstacles.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos