Audi->ke14 has finally let us in on its big secret regarding the 2014 R8. Audi had to tread very carefully with the redesign of the R8, as to not disturb the water too much and scare away the easily spooked sports car lovers. Many auto manufacturers have made the mistake of fully revamping a lineup, only to have traditionalists hate it (see: Toyota MR2 Spyder, Mazda RX-8, and Ford Mustang II).

Audi's approach in this changeover seems more like a refresh than a complete redesign, as all of the changes to the R8->ke1440 V10 coupe are minor nips and tucks here and there. Then again, we all know that a nip here and a tuck there can eventually turn into on gigantic facelift nightmare, so we need to really pull apart this refreshed R8 and see what's doing and whether it can still hang with the likes of Porsche or if it will go the route of the Ford Mustang Pinto and be forever loathed, except by a few enthusiasts.

Updated 08/30/2012: Audi has unveiled today a new set of images for the facelift version of the R8 V10 sports car. Check the picture gallery to see them!

Updates 9/27/2013: Audi has released a new video of the R8 V10 showing off its new seven-speed S tronic transmission. You can see it above.

Click past the jump to have a look at the new Audi R8 V10 and see if it still stacks up to the competition.

2014 - 2015 Audi R8 V10

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Audi R8 V10
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 525 @ 8000
  • Torque: 391 @ 6500
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The outside of the 2014 Audi R8 V10 coupe received a blink-and-you'll-miss-it refresh, which is about all it needed. There are just enough changes to segregate it from the 2012 model, but not enough to alienate its traditional buyers.

The front end now boasts a single-frame front grille with more pronounced horizontal crossbars, totaling five bars. The outside of the front fascia also boast a slight revision, as the bottom inner corner of the air vents have a slightly different angle and the crossbars now total three instead of the two found in 2012. Gone from the 2014 model R8 V10 are the funny wings on the outer parts of the front bumper, giving it a sleeker appearance.

The headlights on the V10 coupe are of the LED variety, which was a part of the 2012 V10 model. The biggest difference in the headlights are that the LED driving lights are now located in the center of the headlight assembly, splitting the high and low beams. On the 2012 model, the LED light ran across the bottom of the headlight assembly and looked a little awkward.

The rear window vent louvers on the R8 V10 coupe feature an aluminum look, as opposed to the matte black look on the base model and V10 Plus.

When you wrap around to the back end of the 2014 A8 V10 coupe, you'll notice that the taillights also boast the LED treatment. A huge change from 2012 is that the turn signals are dynamic, meaning it moves from the innermost edge of the signal housing toward the outermost side, in the direction the driver is turning toward, which is a feature that gained notoriety in the latest generation Mustang.

One thing that the R8 is well-known for is being lightweight, and Audi didn't change this, as the R8 V10 coupe weighs in at just shy of 3,500 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase (in) 104.3
Length (in) 174.6
Height (in) 49.3
Overall width with mirrors (in) 76.0
Track front (in) 64.5
Track rear (in) 62.8
Curb weight (lb) 3,737


Interior

The outside of the R8 may be all party, but the interior is pure business, as the R8 V10 coupe boasts either Alcantara/leather combination or fine nappa seating, dependent on the options you choose. These seats are electronically controlled and comfortably stuffed.

Also wrapped in luxurious leather is the center console, hand brake lever, and the molding around the V10 coupe's standard navigation system. With all of this cushy leather surrounding you, Audi felt it suitable to also surround you in “R8” badges – on the steering wheel, gear shifter, door sill seams, instrument cluster, and the welcome screen on the on-board monitor – so you don't forget that you are driving a high-performance sports car.

In addition to the standard navigation system, the R8 V10 coupe also features a Bang & Olufsen stereo system as a standard feature. There is no mention as to how many speakers this stereo system includes, but we would assume at least 10 speakers.

Interior Dimensions:

Head room (in, front) 37.7
Leg room (in, front) 41.0
Shoulder room (in, front) 54.8
Seating capacity 2


Engine and Transmission

The R8 V10 coupe is far away from being just a stylish on the outside and luxurious on the inside, as it also has a good bit of punch just behind the seats. This mid-mounted V-10 engine displaces 5.2-liters and pumps out a pavement-punishing 525 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 390 pound-feet of twist at 6,500 rpm. We would like to see a little more twist from this V-10 engine, but we can't complain.

The 2014 R8 V10 comes standard with Audi's six-speed manual transmission, but you can opt for a seven-speed S troni, if you prefer not to row your own gears. This dual-clutch transmission connects to Audi's signature Quattro AWD system, which constantly sends 15 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels until the rear wheels start slipping. Once the rear wheels slip, an extra 15 percent more power goes to the front wheels. When combined with the R8's launch control feature, this coupe is a true screamer.

The 2014 R8 V10 can hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, when fitted with the S tronic trans. When you opt for the six-speed manual, the R8 V10 hits 60 in 3.8 seconds. The top speed on the six-speed-equipped and S tronic-equipped R8s is 196 mph and 195 mph, respectively. With the S tronic, the R8 V10 gets a combined 17.96 mpg.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine type V-10
Displacement (cc)/Bore and stroke (mm) 5204/84.5 x 92.8
Horsepower (@ rpm) 525 @ 8,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 391 @ 6,500
Engine block Aluminum alloy incorporating silicon crystals
Cylinder head Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain Continuous intake & exhaust camshaft adjustment, DOHC chain driven
Induction/Fuel injection FSI
Acceleration (0-60 mph) 3.8 sec.
Top track speed 196 mph
Transmission Six-speed manual transmission with Audi quattro® all-wheel drive
EPA Mileage (City/Highway/Combined) 12 mpg/19 mpg/14 mpg
Fuel Capacity (gal) 23.8


Handling and Braking

Forged aluminum double wishbones make up the front and rear independent suspension, while a set of standard magnetic ride adaptive shocks help you choose between normal and sports driving. Normal gives you a little more comfort and Sports likely eliminates all comfort, but it will handle like it's on rails.

At the front corners are a set of 8.5J x 19 wheels wrapped in 235/35R19 tires and on the rear corners, you have a set of 11J x 19 wheels hugged tightly by a set of 295/30R19 rubber. Sure the tires are expensive, but that's a lot of rubber grabbing onto the asphalt.

Bringing the R8 V10 to a halt are 4-wheel disc brakes that boast wave-style rotors, which are not cut in the traditional circle pattern. This helps them dissipate some heat. Also helping cool the rotors off are the internal ventilation chambers on the rotors. The rotors also boast a aluminum hub to further cool the rotors.

Suspension and Braking Specifications:

Front Suspension Aluminum double wishbone
Rear Suspension Aluminum double wishbone
Front Rotors (in) 14.4 (ventilated)
Rear (in) 14.0 (ventilated)


Pricing and Release Date

The Audi R8 V10 holds an MSRP of $151,200 for the manual version and $160,300 for the S tronic version. It hit the market on April 11th, 2013.

2015 Audi R8 V10 - prices

Model Price
R8 V10 Coupe Manual $153,900
R8 V10 Coupe S tronic $162,900


Competition

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo S Convertible

The best suited competitor to the 2014 Audi R8 V10 is the smaller-displacement 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo S Convertible. Both models boast a mid-engine setup and both are well in excess of $150K. The Porsche boasts a 3.8-liter turbocharged flat-6 that pumps out an astonishing 550 horsepower and around 515 pound-feet of torque, beating the Audi by 25 horsepower and more torque than we'd care to mention.

The Porsche->ke1 is also a lot quicker than the Audi, clocking in at 60 mph in about 3 seconds, leaving the Audi 0.4 to 0.8 seconds behind. Both models boast high-level interiors, but the Audi is simply a cooler and rarer car than the 911 Carrera, but is that enough to shell out an extra roughly $15,000 for it?

Conclusion

For our buck, we'll take the Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo S, though it pains us greatly to say it. Yes, the Porsche is a typical cookie-cutter Porsche, but it's just too bad-ass and fast to say otherwise. Yeah, the R8 looks a little more unique and likely makes a cooler noise, you just cannot pass up raw power when talking about sports cars. Sure, it is a close bet and if you don't mind less power for $15K more, have at it, as the R8 V10 is an awesome car. We just prefer the raw face ripping and pavement pounding that the 911 Carrera Turbo gives us.