Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder
What is it?
It’s an updated version of the Audi R8 supercar, more specifically; it’s the V8-powered Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder variant.
You’ll notice Audi’s stunning flagship model doesn’t look a whole lot different from before but there are new lights at the front and rear, and a longer standard equipment list.
Undoubtedly the most important change for buyers is the new S-Tronic automatic gearbox, which replaces the jerky, slow-witted R-Tronic.
Whats’s hot?
- The new dual-clutch S-Tronic absolutely transforms the R8. It was always the usable, everyday supercar but with the R-Tronic it never felt at home around town. Now it absolutely does, with seamless, quick shifts at all speeds.
- If you stick the gearbox in Sport mode then you get a really satisfying flare of barking revs on every single change down the gears, too.
- There is no increase in power from the 424bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine but the new gearbox allows the R8 to sprint from 0-62mph three-tenths quicker than before. That means the official time now stands at 4.5 seconds.
- It’s worth mentioning that the new gearbox costs just £2,900 over the manual – that’s much better than the £5,000 Audi was asking for the R Tronic.
- The standard equipment list now reads like one befitting a £100,000 supercar, and includes leather upholstery, sat-nav and Bluetooth.
- The R8 still drives in the same sure-footed and thrilling way it always has. It’s genuinely quiet and comfortable over long journeys but feels every bit the supercar in the bends.
What’s not?
- There’s no avoiding the fact that the R8 is still a supercar and, as such, it comes with some pretty hefty running costs. Private buyers will be looking at a VED bill of £1030 in the first year, with fuel economy of 22.4mpg.
- Running it as a company car will result in £14,286 of company car tax if you’re a high-rate payer (and let’s face it, you will be).
- As great as the Audi looks it’s far from subtle so turning up at business meetings in it does send out a certain message.
- The interior doesn’t feel quite as special as you’d expect for a car costing this much. Look at a Porsche 911’s interior and it looks worth £100,000 while the Audi’s falls a little way short.
Business Car Manager verdict
The facelifted Audi R8 Spyder isn’t completely overhauled, but instead subtly tweaked to improve everything that was flawed.
As a result, the standard equipment list is now more generous and suits a car that costs £100,000, and the new S Tronic gearbox removes any criticisms you could have about the way the R8 drives.
Yes, it’s a hugely expensive car to run but if your business car finances can stretch to it and you’re willing to accept the image that goes along with running a car like this then we’d recommend it wholeheartedly. You get all the thrills of a supercar with all the comfort and refinement of a premium saloon.
Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder
The Low Down…
Doors and body style | 2-door roadster |
Engine/gearbox | 4.2-litre V8/7-speed auto |
CO2 Emissions | 294g/km |
Economy | 22.4mpg |
Power/torque | 420PS/430Nmm |
0-62mph/top speed | 4.5secs/186mph |
Insurance group | N/A |
…and what it costs
P11D Value | £102,040 |
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £1726 |
Road tax (VED) | Band M |
Company Car Tax Bands 2012/13 to 2014/15 | 35% |
Benefit in kind 2012/13 to 2014/15 | £35,714 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £1414/£118 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £2828/£236 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £7143/£595 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £14,286/£1190 |
Figures correct at time of posting | |
For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |