2007 AUDI R8 technical data

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Dry sump lubrication system . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sporty driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
General maintenance
. .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, replacement parts and
repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repairing a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical data
. . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R8 4.2 quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
122
123
126
131
132
132
134
134
136
136
137
138
138
138
138
139
139143
144
144
144
147
152
152
152
155
155
157
159
161
162
164
166
166
172
174
174
174
175177
178
178
178
182
185
187
190
190
193
195
196
196
196
198
198
198
199
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Notes on this Owner's Manual5
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Notes on this Owner's ManualThis Owner's Manual contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings.
Please ensure that this Owner's Manual is always kept in the vehicle.
It should always be available to anyone else driving the vehicle, i.e.
anyone renting, borrowing or buying the vehicle from you.
This manual describes the equipment available for the vehicle at the
time of going to print. Some of the equipment described here will
not be available until a later date, or may only be available in certain
markets.
Some sections of this Owner's Manual do not apply to all vehicles.
If this is the case, a text at the start of the section indicates which
vehicles it applies to, e. g. “Applies to vehicles: with R tronic”. This
optional equipment is also marked with an asterisk “*”.
Illustrations are intended as a general guide, and may vary from the
equipment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
At the beginning of this Owner's Manual, you will find a table of
contents showing all the items described in this manual in the order
in which they appear. An alphabetical index is included at the end
of the Owner's Manual.
All references to positions such as “left”, “right”, “front” or “rear”
are given as seen facing in the direction of travel.
* optional equipment
The section is continued on the following page.

Denotes the end of a section.
®Registered trademarks are marked ®. However, the absence of
this symbol does not constitute a waiver of the rights
concerning any proprietary name.
⇒ Refers to a “WARNING” within the same section. If the
WARNING symbol is followed by a page number the warning text
referred to is included in a different section.
WARNING
Texts with this symbol contain safety information. They warn you
of serious dangers, possibly involving accident or injury.
Caution
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to a possible risk of
damage to your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts with this symbol refer to points relevant to the protection of
the environment.
Note
Texts with this symbol contain additional information of a more
general nature.
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Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switches for
−Unlocking the luggage lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Unlocking the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . .
Steering wheel with:
−Horn
−Driver's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Controls for audio, telephone and speech dialogue
system
−Paddle levers for manual gearshift (R tronic) . . . . . .
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Lap timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigation system
Lockable glove box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger's airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear lever/selector lever for:
−Manual gearbox
−R tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for:
−Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . .
−Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Automatic rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Audi parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray, cigarette lighter/socket
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine lid lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•
Separate operating instructions are enclosed if the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted navigation system.
•
The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive
models* may be slightly different from the layout shown in
⇒page 8, fig. 1. However, the symbols used to identify the controls
are the same.
A1
50
A2A3
45
A4
64
A5
47
152
A6
77
A7
52
A8
56
A9
116
93
A10
10
A11
59
22
24
27
31
A12A13
73
A14
116
A15
79
A16
75
A17
90
A18
88
132
56
134
85
A19A20
83
A21
81
A22
81
A23
86
A24
55
A25
155
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps11
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolu-
tions per minute.You should select a lower gear if the engine speed drops below
1500 rpm. The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine
is warm and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable
to change up a gear or lift your foot off the accelerator (or shift out
of the R tronic sport mode) before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
Never allow the rev counter needle ⇒page 10, fig. 2 to go into
the red zone on the scale for more than a very brief period: there is
a risk of damaging the engine. The start of the red zone on the dial
is different for some engine versions.Radio-controlled clockWhen the clock is in “radio-control” mode the signal recep-
tion symbol (a radio tower with radio waves) appears in the
display ⇒fig. 3. It is then not possible to change the
minutes or the date manually. If you take your vehicle into a different time zone, the hour display will need to be
adjusted manually to local time using the adjuster button.
Setting the time zone
– Keep pulling the button ⇒fig. 3 briefly until the time
zone display flashes (select setting “0” if you do not wish
to change the time zone).
– Then turn the button to the left (to set an earlier time
zone: -1/-2) or to the right (to set a later time zone: +1/+2).
Switching date display on and off
– Keep pulling the button briefly until the date display
flashes.
– Then turn the button to the left or right.
When the display stops flashing, this means the setting you are
performing is completed and the time zone has been successfully
stored.
If the clock does not receive a radio signal for three consecutive
days, it will automatically switch to “quartz” mode. The signal recep-
tion symbol will then disappear. If you need to reset the time and
date, proceed as described on ⇒page 12.
A2
Fig. 3 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Display with signal
reception symbol, time
and date
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps13
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Warning lamp

If the symbol
 flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low
⇒page 35.
If the needle is over to the far right on the dial, this means the
coolant temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle, switch off the
engine and wait for it to cool down. If the warning lamp starts
flashing again after just a short distance, contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
•
Before opening the engine lid and checking the coolant level,
please observe the warning information on ⇒page 155, “Working
on components in the engine compartment”.
•
Never open the engine lid if you can see or hear steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of
being scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.Caution
•
Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the radiator. At high outside tempera-
tures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the engine over-
heating.
•
The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling
air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can
reduce the cooling effect, which could cause the engine to overheat.
You should obtain professional assistance.
Fuel gaugeThe gauge only works when the ignition is switched on. When the
needle reaches the reserve zone, the symbol
 lights up in the instrument cluster display ⇒page 36. At this point there are still
about 10 litres of fuel left in the tank. This is your reminder to fill up
soon.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 198.
Caution
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel supply,
misfiring can occur. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.Speedometer with mileage recorder
This instrument indicates the speed of the vehicle and the
distance travelled.The mileage is normally stated in kilometres (km). On some models,
however, the mileage recorder will show miles.
Lower mileage recorder (odometer)
The lower counter records the vehicle's total mileage.
Fig. 5 Detail of the
instrument cluster:
Mileage recorder with
reset button
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 6 Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps Warning and indicator lamps in the rev counter
Turn signals ⇒page 17
Warning and indicator lamps in the driver information system
⇒page 33
Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
Warning and indicator lamps in the rev
counter
Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
A1A2A3A4

Audi magnetic ride
⇒page 16

Tyre pressure too low
⇒page 16,
⇒page 172

Engine management
⇒page 16

Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 16

Emission control system
⇒page 17

Main beam headlights
⇒page 17

Rear spoiler
⇒page 17

Cruise control system
⇒page 17

Airbag system
⇒page 17

Alternator
⇒page 18
A1A4
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by
switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 132.
If the battery is disconnected and then reconnected, this warning
lamp will light up when the engine is started and stay on until you
have driven a few metres.
Emission control system

If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 138.Main beam headlights

The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 56.
Rear spoiler

This warning lamp monitors the automatic electrically
operated rear spoiler.The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out
again after about 3 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working
properly.
•
It lights up if a malfunction occurs on the automatic rear spoiler.
For further information on the automatic rear spoiler ⇒page 134.
Turn signals and hazard warning lights
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or
right
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing
twice as fast.
For further information on the turn signals ⇒page 56.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control

The indicator lamp
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the
cruise control system is operating.
Airbag system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt
tensioner system.The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
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Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic
differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition
is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes
out again once the system has run through an automatic test
sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
the warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is
switched on,
•
the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
•
the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the
ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on
the ABS ⇒page 132.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake
warning lamp
 ⇒page 35, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-
tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well
⇒.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol
 will light
up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒page 18.Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should
occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
.
Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
For further information on the EDL ⇒page 132.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp
 lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low
and this may cause an accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive
on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a
result the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This
could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully
to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.
WARNING (continued)
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