2007 AUDI R8 warning

Driving 88Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemSwitching off cruise control temporarily– Press the brake pedal, or
– Press the clutch pedal, or
– Press the lever ⇒page 87, fig. 75 to position (click
stop not engaged).The speed stored at this point remains in the memory if the system
is only temporarily deactivated.
To resume the programmed cruising speed, release the clutch or
brake pedal and pull the lever to position .
If no speed was stored when the system was temporarily deacti-
vated, a new speed can be set as follows: drive at the desired
cruising speed and briefly press button ⇒page 87, fig. 75 (SET).
WARNING
Do not resume the programmed cruising speed if this is too high
for the traffic conditions - this can cause accidents.Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemSwitching off cruise control– Press the lever A ⇒page 87, fig. 75 to position (click
stop engaged).The stored speed will be deleted once the ignition is switched off.
Note
Always switch off the cruise control system completely after each
journey. When beginning a new journey, the speed must be reset
⇒page 87.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi magnetic rideAudi magnetic rideThe damping effect of the shock absorbers can be
adjusted according to the driver's requirements, and will
adapt automatically to suit the driving conditions.– Press the switch ⇒fig. 76 to activate or deactivate the
sport driving mode.Audi magnetic ride is an electronically controlled damping system.
By means of control processes going on in the background it assists
the driver and adapts automatically to particular situations when
driving. The adaptive damping varies the stiffness of the shock
absorbers to suit individual requirements. For example, if the driver
selects the comfort setting, the suspension damping is relatively
soft and only becomes firmer when required, such as in a corner or
under braking.
Normal driving mode
Select the normal setting for comfort-oriented suspension charac-
teristics.
AA
A2
AA
A1
ABA2
Fig. 76 Centre console:
Switch for Audi
magnetic ride
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Driving89
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Sport driving mode
Select the sport setting for performance-oriented suspension char-
acteristics. The diode in the switch
 will light up to indicate that the
sport mode is on.
Note
The warning lamp
 lights up in the instrument cluster if a malfunc-
tion occurs. Drive to the nearest qualified workshop as soon as
possible and have the fault corrected.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 89 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Automatic gearbox91
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
The accelerator pedal must on no account be pressed inadvert-
ently when a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary. If this
were to happen, the vehicle would start to move immediately, and
even a firmly applied handbrake might not restrain it (accident
risk).
•
To avoid accidents, apply the handbrake firmly and select
neutral gear (N) before opening the engine lid and working on the
vehicle with the engine running. Please observe the important
safety warnings ⇒page 155, “Working on components in the
engine compartment”.Note
If you accidentally shift to N when driving, you can engage a gear in
the normal way using the selector lever or paddle levers.Applies to vehicles: with R tronicManual modeR tronic allows the driver to change gears manually.Driving away from a standstill
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Move the selector lever to the left.
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards .
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒.
Changing gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards to change up
a gear.– Briefly pull the selector lever back to change down a
gear.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary
(for instance at traffic lights).
– Do not press the accelerator while waiting. Neutral gear
(N) will be engaged automatically and a warning tone will
sound after a certain period if the vehicle is at a standstill
and you do not press the brake pedal or accelerator.
Parking
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage a gear.
– Switch off the ignition.
Stopping on a slope
–Always apply the footbrake to hold the vehicle and
prevent it “rolling back” down the slope ⇒. Do not try
to stop the vehicle “rolling back” by increasing the
engine speed when a gear is engaged.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
Driving away on a slope
– Once you have engaged a gear, release the footbrake,
press the accelerator and gradually release the hand-
brake.
When accelerating in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th gear, the R tronic
gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear shortly before the
A+A+
A-
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Automatic gearbox 92maximum engine speed is reached, unless you have activated the
sport function ⇒page 90.
If you select a lower gear, the R tronic gearbox will not shift down
until there is no risk of overrevving the engine.
You can change over to automatic mode at any time ⇒page 92.
WARNING
•
The driver should never get out of the vehicle when the engine
is running and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must apply the parking brake and
engage neutral gear (N).
•
If the engine is running and a gear is engaged, you will need to
hold the car with the footbrake.
•
Do not press the accelerator while selecting a gear with the
vehicle stationary and the engine running, as this could cause an
accident.
•
To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold the vehicle with
the footbrake if you have to stop. Never attempt to hold the vehicle
with the clutch when stopping on a gradient. The clutch is disen-
gaged automatically if it is overloaded and becomes too hot - acci-
dent risk! Before the clutch is disengaged, the vehicle will jolt and
the driver information system will display a warning that the
clutch is overloaded.
•
Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce the speed and
use the R tronic to select a lower gear.
•
Never allow the brake to drag and do not use the brake pedal
too often or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the
brakes to overheat and will considerably reduce the effectiveness
of the brakes. It will increase the braking distance and could cause
the brake system to fail.
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicAutomatic modeThe gearbox changes the forward gears up and down
automatically.Driving away from a standstill
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Briefly push the selector lever towards position A.
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒ in
“Manual mode” on page 91.In some situations (such as when driving on mountain roads) it can
be advantageous to switch temporarily to the manual shift
programme ⇒page 91, so that the gear ratios can be selected
manually to suit the driving conditions.Applies to vehicles: with R tronicKick-down featureWhen the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of
resistance at full throttle, the R tronic gearbox will shift down to a
lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. The upshift
to the next higher gear is delayed until the engine reaches
maximum rpm. This does not apply if you have activated the sport
function.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-
down feature could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 92 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Automatic gearbox93
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicLaunch control programmeThe launch control programme enables maximum accel-
eration.– Press the ESP switch once while the engine is running.
The ESP warning lamp
 will light up in the driver infor-
mation system display.
– Press and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
– Engage a gear.
– Press the button.
– Press the accelerator all the way down with your right
foot until the engine reaches a constant rpm speed.
– Take your left foot off the brake ⇒.
WARNING
•
Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
•
Only use the launch control programme when road and traffic
conditions permit, and make sure your manner of driving and
accelerating the vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other
road users.
•
Please note that, when the ESP is switched off, the driven
wheels may start to spin, causing the vehicle to lose grip, in partic-
ular on slippery or wet roads - danger of skidding!
•
When acceleration has been completed, the ESP should be
reactivated by pressing the ESP switch.
Note
Accelerating with the launch control programme places a heavy
load on all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and
tear.Applies to vehicles: with R tronicSteering wheel with paddle leversThe paddle levers behind the steering wheel allow you to
change gear manually without taking your hands off the
steering wheel.– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down
to a lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up
to a higher gear.The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using
the selector lever in the centre console.
SPORT
Fig. 79 Sports steering
wheel with Paddle
leversA-A+
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HomeLink95
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
HomeLinkUniversal transmitterApplies to vehicles: with HomeLinkDescription
The HomeLink universal transmitter can be programmed
to replace the hand-held controls of devices already in
use.The HomeLink universal transmitter allows you to conveniently acti-
vate garage doors, estate gates, security systems, home or office
lighting and other electric devices by means of control buttons
inside your car.
The single remote control unit that HomeLink provides will replace
up to three hand-held transmitters operating existing devices on
your property. This will be possible for most transmitters which
control the drive units for a garage door or external gates, etc.
Programming of the individual hand-held transmitters for your
remote control is done at the centre of the front bumper. This is
where the control unit is located.
To be able to control systems with HomeLink, you need to perform
initial programming on the HomeLink transmitter first. If systems
fail to respond after the initial programming, check whether these
systems work with a "rolling code" (variable security code)
⇒page 97.
WARNING
When you are programming the HomeLink universal transmitter,
make sure that no persons or objects are close to the devices
receiving the transmitter signals. If a gate or door is inadvertently
set into motion during programming, persons might be injured or
other damage caused by moving parts.
Note
•
For additional information on HomeLink® and/or products
compatible with HomeLink®, please call the toll-free HomeLink®
hotline (0) 08000466 35465 (in Germany) or alternatively +49 (0) 6838
907 277, or visit the HomeLink® website at: www.homelink.com
•
HomeLink
® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls.
Applies to vehicles: with HomeLinkProgramming the universal transmitter
Programming of the HomeLink universal transmitter is
done on the operating unit located above the interior
mirror and at the front bumper.
Fig. 80 Operating unit
above the interior
mirror
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Safe driving 102Safe drivingGeneral notesSafety is the first priority
Your safety is our first priority.This chapter contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings that you should read and observe for
your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
WARNING
•
The information in this chapter is important for the driver of
the vehicle and all passengers. The other chapters in this manual
(and, where applicable, in the other literature supplied with the
vehicle) contain further important notes which you should read
and observe for your own safety and that of your passengers.
•
Ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle.
This is especially important when you lend or sell the vehicle to
others.
Safety features
The safety features listed here are part of the vehicle's
occupant restraint system. They work together to help
reduce the risk of injury in a wide variety of accident situ-
ations.Your safety and the safety of your passengers should not be left to
chance. In the event of an accident, the safety features incorporated
in your vehicle are capable of reducing the risk of injury. These are
just a few of the safety features in your Audi:•
Three-point seat belts for all seats,
•
Belt force limiters for the front seats,
•
Belt pre-tensioners for the front seats,
•
Front airbags,
•
Head/thorax airbags in the backrests,
•
“ISOFIX” mountings* for “ISOFIX” child safety seats on the front
passenger's seat,
•
Height-adjustable head restraints in the backrests,
•
Adjustable steering column.
These individual safety features are harmonised to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in accident situ-
ations. However, they can only be effective if you and your passen-
gers sit in the correct position and adjust and use the safety equip-
ment properly.
For these reasons, this chapter explains why these safety features
are so important, how they can protect you, what you need to
remember when using them, and how you and your passengers can
gain the most benefit from them. There are also a number of impor-
tant safety warnings which you and your passengers should always
observe in order to minimise the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's responsibility!
Before every trip
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle at all times.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers,
always note the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that all lights and turn signals are working
properly.
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Safe driving103
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Check the tyre pressures.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visi-
bility to the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors
correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are
adjusted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable
safety seats and properly worn seat belts ⇒page 122.
– Sit in the correct position in your seat and make sure that
your passengers do the same. ⇒page 67.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your
passengers do the same ⇒page 109.What affects driving safety?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle.The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all
its occupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way,
you endanger yourself and other road users ⇒. There-
fore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by
using a mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by
medication, alcohol, drugs, etc.).– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more
than two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
•
Distractions while driving or any kind of impairment to your
driving ability increase the risk of accident and injury.
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects
could fly around the interior when the vehicle is moving (under
acceleration or whilst cornering) and distract the driver – this
could lead to an accident.
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