2012 AUDI R8 | WUAENAFG0CN000740

Body Styles

Coupe (R8 Coupe) – a mid-engine, two-door sports car with unmistakably clean, technical styling defined by its wide stance, signature sideblades behind the doors, and strong horizontal lines. The R8 Coupe emphasized Audi’s precision engineering philosophy while delivering exotic car proportions and a commanding presence on the road.

Convertible (R8 Spyder) – an open-top variant retaining the coupe’s performance and styling, with a lightweight fabric roof operable at speeds up to 50 km/h. The Spyder slightly softened the roofline while adding further exclusivity and driving theater, without sacrificing significant rigidity thanks to Audi’s aluminum Space Frame architecture.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The "R" in R8 references Audi’s racing heritage, particularly its Le Mans-dominating R8 LMP prototype. The "8" does not refer to the number of cylinders but positions the R8 within Audi’s model hierarchy as a supercar above the A-series lineup, blending competition success with road-going performance excellence.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

"R8" is globally effective and easily understood without translation. It conveys racing pedigree ("R") and elite status ("8") across all markets, reinforcing the Audi brand’s commitment to motorsport-derived technology and engineering sophistication.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Audi R8 was offered in a curated palette emphasizing both classic sophistication and performance-focused drama. Traditional colors like Ibis White, Brilliant Red, and Phantom Black Pearl Effect established timeless appeal, while vivid tones such as Sepang Blue Pearl and Samoa Orange Metallic added exotic flair. Matte finishes like Daytona Grey Matte were available through Audi Exclusive, enabling deep personalization. Early models prominently featured the contrasting sideblades in Silver, Grey, or Carbon Fiber finishes, an instantly recognizable R8 signature.

Inside, the R8 combined pure driver focus with high-end materials. Leather seats in Black, Luxor Beige, or Crimson Red were standard, complemented by brushed aluminum or optional Carbon Sigma inlays. Facelifted models added upgraded MMI systems with revised rotary controls, higher-resolution displays, and more advanced navigation. The low, focused dashboard emphasized visibility and control, while minimalistic physical switchgear and signature circular vents maintained a lightweight, motorsport-inspired environment. Spyder variants offered optional neck-level heating for open-top comfort in cooler climates.

Wheels ranged from 18-inch double-spoke alloys on early V8 models to lightweight 19-inch twin-spoke designs for V10 and V10 Plus variants. Various finishes such as Titanium Matte or Polished Aluminum were offered, ensuring owners could customize performance and visual identity to match the R8’s exotic nature.

Top Expensive Options

• Carbon Sigma Sideblades and Interior Inlays: ~$3,500
• Audi Magnetic Ride Adaptive Suspension: ~$2,000
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System: ~$1,800
• Carbon Ceramic Brake Package (V10 models only): ~$9,000
• Full Fine Nappa Leather Package (Dashboard, Door Panels, Console): ~$3,800
• Diamond-Stitched Sport Seats: ~$2,500
• Extended Navigation Plus with MMI Touch (Facelifted models): ~$2,200
• Forged 19-inch High-Performance Wheels: ~$2,000
• R tronic or S tronic Transmission Upgrade: ~$9,000
• Audi Exclusive Custom Paint Colors: ~$6,500

vs Competitors

The Audi R8 (Type 42) competed directly with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Nissan GT-R R35, and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Compared to the 911 Turbo, the R8 offered a more exotic mid-engine layout and a more dramatic visual presence, though the Porsche retained a slight performance edge in ultimate speed and tuning potential. Against the GT-R, the R8 countered with natural aspiration purity, a far more luxurious cabin, and more emotional design. Versus the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the R8 delivered superior engineering precision, greater reliability, and stronger overall performance, while maintaining a similar aura of exclusivity. Uniquely, the R8 became a supercar you could drive daily, offering exotic performance without traditional supercar compromises in usability or comfort.

Fun Fact

The Audi R8 shares approximately 50% of its components with the Lamborghini Gallardo — including major elements of the aluminum space frame chassis and V10 powertrain — but was tuned by Audi engineers to provide a more refined, balanced, and forgiving driving experience compared to its wilder Italian sibling. It became the first true German everyday supercar.