DecodedCars2008 Audi R8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,450 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 19% below the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Audi R8 is a two seaters offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,450 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 20 highway), 19% worse than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe AWD | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 3,450 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -19% | $5,500 | 592 |
| R8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -19% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Audi R8 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi R8 (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche 911 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Audi R8.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Audi R8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Audi R8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 4 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,160 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Audi R8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other R8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 R8 | 18 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 R8 | 15 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →