Audi->ke14 recently released a ton of information on its upcoming 2013 lineup, but left off the R8, which led us to think that something big was coming up. With just a few days past, we have just learned exactly what big things Audi has in store for the 2014 R8->ke1440.

The R8 has always been a rather stunning-looking car, so our hopes were that Audi did not completely scrap the design and start all over again. Fortunately, our wishes were granted, as the initial images we have received show a car that is only slightly different than the one we see now. The changes were very mild and in places that the current-gen R8 was lacking a little.

The ultimate test is to dissect the images and information that we have available and see if these subtle changes were for the better or worse.

Hit the jump for the full review.

2014 - 2015 Audi R8 Spyder

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Audi R8 Spyder
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 430 @ 7900
  • Torque: 317 @ 4500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

First and foremost, the teardrop shape with the exaggerated back end still remains the basic profile of the R8. Also carried over is its signature rear brake cooling duct.

The first change you'll notice on the 2014 R8 is that the grille is single frame and not split by a plastic insert. The bumper has also been revised and boasts a pair of air inlets on each end that feature three cross bars.

The headlights have also been revised, with the biggest change being that Audi now includes LED lights standard on all models, including the R8 Spyder. The daytime running lights are now located in the center of the headlight assembly with the high and low beam lights located above and below the daytime running lights, respectively. In addition, there are a set of headlights that turn along with the car to help illuminate corners at night.

The LED lighting continues on the back end, with the taillights and turn signals. The new turn signal system is a dynamic display, a la the Ford Mustang->ke428, which means the LED lights start on the innermost edge of the turn signal and proceed toward the outermost edge in the direction the driver is turning.

The rear bumper has two circular cutouts for the exhaust and the shiny exhaust tips protrude from these cutouts, giving the R8's back end a look to remember.

The 2014 R8's body is made completely from aluminum. This aluminum body combines with the Audi Space Frame, which only weighs in at 462.97 lbs. When completely assembled and fitted with a manual transmission, the 2014 Audi R8 Spyder weighs in at just 3,659.67 lbs.

You can get the R8 in two solid colors - Ibis White and Brilliant Red - four metallic shades, and five pearl -effect coatings. The Spyder has three different top color options including black, red, and brown.

Interior

As a sports car with the engine in the rear, the R8 uses a front-mounted luggage compartment, which usually spells trouble when hauling anything more than a briefcase. The R8 Spyder, on the other hand, can actually do a little bit of hauling, as its front luggage compartment holds up to 3.53 cubic-feet of luggage.

While the outside of the R8 screams “performance,” the inside whispers “I'm a luxury car, dear.” The interior is so luxurious that Audi was afraid you might forget what you're driving, so it reminds you with “R8” badges strewn throughout the cabin. The power sport seats, hand brake handle, and center console are wrapped in an Alcantra/leather combination or Fine Nappa, depending on options chosen, and the Spyder boasts a pigmentation in the seats to help it reduce heat absorption. You can select from a wide array of color options to make the interior suit your personality.

The entire interior is accented throughout with chrome strips and black accent paint. As available options, you can get high beam assistance, stowage package, travel case sets, cell phone preparation with seatbelt microphone and voice control, and a parking assistant with a rear-view camera.

Engine and Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 2014 R8 Spyder is a 4.2-liter FSI V-8 engine that is hand assembled. With its direct fuel injection system, 12.5-to-1 compression ratio, and adjustable camshaft controls, this engine punches out a stout 430 horsepower at 7,900 rpm and 317.15 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. The engine block is rather svelte, as it is made from an aluminum-silicon alloy.

Connected to this lightweight engine is a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Those looking for a little more performance can opt for the 7-speed S tronic transmission, which you can choose to either shift via steering wheel-mounted paddles or at the gear shifter itself. Also included is a launch control system that propels your R8 Spyder with perfection every time.

The 2014 R8 Spyder also includes Audi's famed Quattro AWD system, which constantly sends 15 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels. When rear-wheel slippage occurs, the Quattro system sends an additional 15 percent of the engine power to the front wheels.

This system all adds up to a 4.5-second 0 to 60 mph time with the S tronic transmission option and a 4.8-second time with the 6-speed manual. The R8 Spyder can reach a top speed of 186.41 mph.

Suspension and Braking

The 2014 Audi R8 Spyder features independent, double-wishbone suspensions on all four corners. On the front of the 2014 R8 Spyder, there's a set of 8.5J x 18 wheels and on the rear, there's a set of 10.5J x 18 wheels. Wrapped around these wheels are 235/40R18 tires on the front and 285/35R18 tires on the rear.

On all four corners of the R8, there are ventilated steel discs fixed to aluminum hubs for optimal heat dissipation. Much like high-performance motorcycle discs, the R8's discs have a wavy or flower cut, which helps save weight and increase the cooling rate. The front brakes boast aluminum calipers with 8-pots and the rear brakes boast the same aluminum calipers, but with half of the pots. If customers want a little added braking security, they can opt for carbon fiber ceramic brake pads.

Pricing and Release Date

The Audi R8 Spyder definitely does not come cheap, but it is, however, cheaper than you may expect. It starts out at $128,400 for the manual version and at $137,500 for the S tronic version.

2015 Audi R8 V8 Spyder - prices

Model

Price

R8 V8 Spyder Manual

$129,400

R8 V8 Spyder S tronic

$138,400


Competition

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

The only true competitor for the R8 Spyder that is in production today is the Porsche->ke1 Carrera 4 GTS convertible. The Carrera 4 GTS boasts a 3.8-liter flat-6 engine that pumps out 400 ponies and 325 pound-feet of twist. This gets the Carrera->ke574 4S to 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds (4.1 seconds with PDK), slightly faster than the R8 Spyder.

Both models boast all-wheel drive and both have very luxurious interiors, so the only other area that we see a difference is in pricing. You can pick up a base model 2013 Carrera 4S for just $102,930, whereas the base R8 Spyder will set you back over $128k.

The other difference is the fact that you see plenty of Porsche Carreras on the road and the body style is getting pretty old, whereas the R8 is rare enough to be quite the head turner.

Conclusion

The R8 looks awesome, sounds awesome, and is extremely fast, and there's no debating that. It is, however, very highly priced, but for good reason. It's a lot of car for the price you are paying. We wish that the 7-speed S tronic transmission was standard for that $150K, but it's not a deal breaker. If you can float the extra $30K over the Carrera 4S, we say to do it. But the Carrera is not a bad consolation prize if you can't swing the R8's payment.