2012 Audi R8 V8 Photos, engines & full specs

Audi refreshed the R8 lineup after it listened to its customers and improved or replaced everything its customers wanted, and then some more to bring more joy to those behind the wheel and their side passengers.

The German automaker introduced the R8 in late 2006, with sales and deliveries starting in 2007. At first, it was available exclusively as a V8 affair. In 2009, Audi upgraded the drivetrain with a V10 powerplant developed with Lamborghini, a brand it owned. But it wasn’t all nice and fancy. There were some parts that needed to be changed or improved. In addition, some technologies quickly evolved, and the R8 was left behind. But for the refreshed version, Audi did its homework and returned with a much better vehicle, even though, at first sight, it was hard to tell. But still, a keen eye for detail could spot them.

At the front, the most significant change was for the LED headlights, which received a new design. They sported a more angular shape, with sharp lines and a meaner look. The daytime running lights were still inside the headlamps surrounding its interior but without the curved lines as before. A new front bumper with a redesigned signature singleframe grille adorned it. It was flanked by new air intakes that cooled the rotors and were adorned by less prominent three horizontal slats than on its predecessor and a mesh grille.

The facelifted version came with new carbon fiber panels for the side intakes. Since these were placed behind the doors, they visually made a clear distinction between the driving side and the engineering part of the car. The 18-inch alloy wheels were standard for the R8 V8, with an option for a 19-inch set. At the back, the car featured a revised rear fascia. The extracting vents mounted on the outer sides still sported the same three horizontal slats as its predecessor. But unlike the 2007 model year, which featured quad exhausts, the 2012 R8 V8 came with two round pipes, one on each side. As a final design touch, Audi also introduced new taillights that featured LED technology and dynamic turn signals.

Inside the cabin, the automaker introduced more polished aluminum trims that reminded customers that the car was built on an aluminum space frame. Fronting the driver was a redesigned instrument cluster with a binocular styling. The most significant difference was for the TFT display that took center stage between the large tachometer and speedometer, which sported a black and white layout instead of a red and white one, like before. Audi introduced a new touchscreen infotainment unit on the center stack featuring navigation and iPod integration. In addition, it was Bluetooth-compatible. Customers had the option for high-bolstered Alcantara-covered seats, which greatly improved comfort and side support during high-speed cornering.

But the most significant upgrade was behind the cabin. While the 4.2-liter powerplant with direct fuel injection was mostly the same, it gained ten more ponies and, most importantly, a new transmission. The six-speed manual was the same, but the sluggish single-disc automated gearbox was ditched. Audi installed a fresh seven-speed dual-clutch that could shift faster, was lighter, and more affordable.