2018 Audi R8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe, 2dr Spyder
- Engines
- 5.2L 10-cyl
- Horsepower
- 602 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 14 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–3,743 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi R8 is a two seaters offered with a 5.2L 10-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,649 lb (2dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (14 city / 25 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 two seaters average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 R8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 R8 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Heilbronn, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2018 R8 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 174.4 in | 76.8 in | 48 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 63 in | 3,649 lb | |
| 2dr Spyder | 174.4 in | 76.8 in | 48 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 63 in | 3,743 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 RWD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 25 / 18 | -8% | $4,550 | 497 |
| R8 Spyder RWD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 25 / 18 | -8% | $4,550 | 497 |
| R8 AWD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 531 |
| R8 Spyder AWD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -13% | $4,850 | 531 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Audi R8.
Similar 2018 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi R8 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 18 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Jaguar F-Type | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi R8.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Audi R8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi R8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →