The Audi R8 Coupe (42, facelift) with the 4.2 FSI V8 engine and S tronic dual-clutch transmission represents a significant evolution of Audi’s mid-engine sports car. Produced from 2012 to 2015, this variant sat at the top of the R8 Coupe range, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. It built upon the foundation laid by the original R8 (introduced in 2007) with styling refinements and mechanical updates aimed at enhancing the driving experience. This model was a key component of Audi’s strategy to compete directly with established sports car manufacturers like Porsche and Ferrari, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess and design capabilities.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | R8 |
| Generation | R8 Coupe (42, facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.2 FSI V8 (430 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 19.3 l/100 km (12.2 US mpg, 14.6 UK mpg, 5.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 289 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h (186.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 271.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 271.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 430 Hp @ 7900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 103.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 430 Nm @ 4500-6000 rpm (317.15 lb.-ft. @ 4500-6000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CNDA |
| Engine displacement | 4163 cm3 (254.04 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1585 kg (3494.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 100 l (3.53 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4440 mm (174.8 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Height | 1252 mm (49.29 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1638 mm (64.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1007 mm (39.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 783 mm (30.83 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.35 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 R19; 295/30 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 11J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 2012-2015 R8 Coupe 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic lies the CNDA engine, a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8. This engine utilizes Audi’s FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) direct injection technology, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved efficiency and power. The engine boasts a high compression ratio of 12.5:1 and features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produces 430 horsepower at 7900 rpm and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque between 4500 and 6000 rpm. The longitudinally mounted engine sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provides incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, contributing to the car’s impressive acceleration. This transmission differs from a traditional automatic in that it uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears, allowing for pre-selection of the next gear and virtually seamless shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.2 FSI V8 with the S tronic transmission delivers a thrilling driving experience. While not as brutally fast as the R8 V10 models, it offers a more accessible and usable powerband. The S tronic transmission’s quick shifts and intelligent programming ensure that the engine remains in its optimal power range. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional grip and stability, inspiring confidence in various driving conditions. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency, with the lower gears providing strong off-the-line performance and the higher gears allowing for comfortable cruising at highway speeds. Compared to the manual transmission equipped R8 V8, the S tronic version offers slightly quicker acceleration due to the faster gear changes, but some purists may prefer the greater driver engagement of a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The R8 Coupe 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a premium sound system, and a navigation system. Exterior features included LED headlights, a power rear spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels. A wide range of optional extras were available, including carbon fiber trim, upgraded leather packages, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and various performance enhancements. The R8’s interior was designed with a driver-focused layout, featuring a clean and minimalist dashboard and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The R8 Coupe features an aluminum space frame chassis, providing a lightweight yet incredibly rigid structure. This contributes to the car’s excellent handling and responsiveness. The suspension consists of independent McPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, both with coil springs and anti-roll bars. The braking system utilizes ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety and control during hard braking.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi R8 Coupe 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stunning design, exhilarating performance, and refined interior. Compared to the R8 V10, the V8 model offered a more affordable entry point into the R8 lineup, while still delivering a high level of performance and luxury. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for R8 buyers, was slightly better with the V8 engine. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be significant due to the car’s complex engineering and premium components.
Legacy
The Audi R8 Coupe 4.2 FSI quattro S tronic remains a desirable sports car in the used car market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and technology has ensured its enduring appeal. The CNDA engine, while not known for being exceptionally fuel-efficient, has proven to be relatively reliable with proper maintenance. The S tronic transmission, while requiring occasional servicing, is generally robust. The R8’s impact on the automotive landscape is significant, establishing Audi as a serious contender in the high-performance sports car segment and paving the way for future generations of Audi sports cars.
