DecodedCars2012 Audi R8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr 4.2 Fsi Conv, 2dr 4.2 Fsi Coupe AWD, 2dr 5.2 Fsi Conv, 2dr 5.2 Fsi Coupe AWD/GT
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 5.2L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 13 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,362–3,957 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 23% below the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Audi R8 is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 5.2L 10-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,858 lb (2dr 4.2 Fsi Conv).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (13 city / 21 highway), 23% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 R8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 R8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr 4.2 Fsi Conv | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.6 / 63 in | 3,858 lb | 44/56 |
| 2dr 4.2 Fsi Coupe AWD | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 3,605 lb | 44/56 |
| 2dr 5.2 Fsi Conv | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.6 / 63 in | 3,957 lb | 44/56 |
| 2dr 5.2 Fsi Coupe AWD/GT | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 3,803 lb | 44/56 |
| 2dr GT Conv | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.6 / 63 in | 3,638 lb | 44/56 |
| 2dr GT Coupe AWD | 174.4 in | 74.8 in | 49.2 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 62.6 in | 3,362 lb | 44/56 |
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 | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -23% | $5,150 | 555 |
| R8 | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 592 |
| R8 | 5.2L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
| R8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 20 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Audi R8.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi R8 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi R8 Spyder | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus LFA | 13 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Aug 1, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V390000 · 920 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 AUDI R8 SPYDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 22, 2011. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMALL FUEL LEAK.
- Risk
- A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Not every 2012 Audi R8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Audi R8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Audi R8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 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 |
| 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 |
| 2008 R8 | 15 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →