Audi R8 (2007–2015) review: the everyday supercar I drove, loved, and would buy again
I still remember the first time I slid into an early Audi R8 and thumbed the red starter. The 4.2-liter V8 barked awake, settled into a cultured idle, and within a mile I realised this wasn’t just another poster car. It was a car I could use. Daily. Coffee runs, canyon blasts, cross-town traffic; the Audi R8 (2007–2015) wears the supercar badge but behaves like a well-bred grand tourer when you need it to. And when you don’t? It still fizzles the hairs on your arms.
Audi R8 (2007–2015) price evolution: what a 2007 R8 is worth now
How much is a 2007 Audi R8 worth? Short answer: more than you think, especially with the gated manual. The long answer depends on mileage, history, gearbox, and spec.
- 2007–2009 R8 V8, R tronic, average miles: typically $65,000–$85,000
- 2007–2009 R8 V8, gated 6-speed: $90,000–$130,000 for clean, documented cars
- 2009–2012 R8 V10: $95,000–$140,000 depending on condition and options
- 2013–2015 facelift cars with S tronic: add ~$10k–$20k premium
Collectors chase low-mile manuals and special editions (GT, GT Spyder). I’ve watched nice, driver-grade cars trade hands quickly—service records matter, and so does originality. Carbon-ceramics and rare colors help.
Unleashing power: 2007 Audi R8 performance and specs
How much HP does a 2007 R8 have? The launch car used a 4.2-liter V8 good for 420 hp and 317 lb-ft. Quattro traction, a mid-mounted engine, and near-telepathic steering made it feel more alive than the numbers suggest. The headline stats:
- 0–60 mph: ~4.4–4.6 seconds (manual vs R tronic)
- Top speed: ~187 mph
- EPA economy: roughly 16 mpg combined (V8); low teens if you’re having fun
Real talk: the early single-clutch R tronic is fine on a Sunday B-road, a bit head-noddy in traffic. The manual is mechanical poetry—short throws, a metal gate that clicks like a bank vault. In 2014, the dual-clutch S tronic arrived and transformed the car in stop‑start life.
V10 era: when the Audi R8 turned the volume up
What year R8 has a V10? From 2009, Audi dropped in the 5.2-liter V10 (shared DNA with Lamborghini) with 525 hp and 391 lb-ft. The difference isn’t subtle. It howls past 8,000 rpm and shrinks a straight like a fast‑forward button. The later R8 GT (2012) climbed to 560 hp and shed weight, while the 2013–2015 facelift sharpened the chassis and added the excellent S tronic gearbox.
How fast is a 2007 Audi R8 in the real world?
How fast is a 2007 Audi R8? Factory claims say mid‑4s to 60 mph; my best in a healthy manual car on warm tires was 4.4 seconds with a gentle launch (no drivetrain abuse). On a wet, bumpy road the R8’s story is traction and balance rather than sheer brute force—point it, trust it, and it cuts through like a surgeon. Top speed is academic, but 180+ arrives with very little drama.
Living with an Audi R8 (2007–2015): the everyday stuff
- Ride: on the standard suspension, it’s supple enough for commutes; on rough city streets I never winced.
- Practicality: front trunk takes a couple of weekend bags; the shelf behind the seats is a lifesaver.
- Cabin: quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back—if the R8 had a back seat. It doesn’t. You’ll still hear the phone clearly.
- Infotainment: the old MMI is functional but dated. Bluetooth calls fine; navigation is… period-correct.
Running costs and quirks I’ve seen
- Magnetic ride shocks are brilliant, but replacement costs can sting; check for leaks.
- R tronic clutch wear is real in urban stop‑go; smooth driving helps, but budget accordingly.
- FSI carbon build-up can occur over time; documented cleaning is a plus.
- Nose-lift (if fitted) saves front splitters and your sanity—worth having.
- Side blades look fantastic but can show swirls; clear film helps.
The unseen hero: Audi R8 floor mats you’ll actually appreciate
Bear with me—this matters. The R8’s cabin is a special place, and the right mats keep it that way. I’ve trashed more driver carpets with muddy boots than I’d admit in print. Good mats protect, reduce noise, and finish the cabin properly.
Best interior accessories: floor mats
- Material mastery: For your Audi R8, premium rubber or plush carpet works best—tough, easy to clean, and they look factory.
- Tailored fit: A proper pattern is the difference between “OEM‑clean” and “annoying edge that catches your heel.” Go model‑specific for full coverage.
- All‑weather guardians: If you track, ski, or just live where weather happens, all‑weather mats are essential. They take the abuse so your floor doesn’t.
Where I’ve sent owners to buy
If you’re after a set that looks right and endures abuse, the AutoWin Eshop has been a solid tip. Big range for the Audi R8, sensible pricing, and the patterns fit. Ordering is painless, which, frankly, is half the battle.
Audi R8 vs rivals: how the first-gen stacks up
| Model (2007–2015) | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Drivetrain | Why you’d pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi R8 V8/V10 | 4.2 V8 / 5.2 V10 | 420–560 hp | 4.6–3.6s | AWD | Usability, visibility, drama without stress |
| Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S/Turbo | 3.8 flat‑6 / 3.6 TT | 355–500 hp | 4.5–3.4s | RWD/AWD | Benchmark handling, smaller footprint, huge network |
| Nissan GT‑R (R35) | 3.8 TT V6 | 473–545 hp | 3.5–2.9s | AWD | Devastating pace, tech-forward, less subtle |
| Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 4.3–4.7 V8 | 380–420 hp | 4.7–4.3s | RWD | Style king, GT feel, soundtrack |
Feature highlights that still impress
- Iconic side blades that actually help with intake flow
- All-LED lighting (world-first on a series production car)
- Quattro traction without the nose-heavy feel—thanks, mid-engine layout
- Optional ceramic brakes that shrug off track days
- That gated shifter—if you know, you know
Conclusion: why the Audi R8 (2007–2015) still nails it
The Audi R8 (2007–2015) is the rare premium sports car that mixes supercar theatre with daily driveability. I’ve used one for errands, for late-night blasts, for road trips where the only worry was which coffee to pick—not whether I’d clear a speed bump. It’s composed, charismatic, and aging gracefully. And if you’re buying, don’t ignore the little things: good AutoWin mats, meticulous maintenance, and the right spec turn a great Audi R8 into a perfect one.
FAQ: Audi R8 (2007–2015)
- Is the first-gen Audi R8 reliable? Largely, yes—if serviced on time. Look for full records, inspect magnetic ride shocks, and check clutch wear on R tronic cars.
- Manual or automatic—what’s better? The gated manual is special and collectible. The early R tronic is fine but imperfect in traffic; the later S tronic (2014–2015) is excellent.
- What’s the real 0–60 for a 2007 R8? Expect mid‑4s in good conditions for the V8. The V10 cuts that to the mid‑3s.
- How practical is the R8? Enough for two soft bags and a weekend. The shelf behind the seats is handy; cabin ergonomics are pure Audi.
- Which floor mats fit best? Model-specific mats from the AutoWin Eshop are tailored for the first-gen R8 and protect better than generic sets.
