ForewordThank you for choosing the Audi R8.
The new Audi R8 combines the latest technology with numerous features for your comfort and
convenience. To help you get the best out of these features in everyday use, we recommend that
you read this Manual carefully.
As well as information on how to use the controls and equipment, the Owner's Manual contains
important notes on care and maintenance. These are relevant to your safety and will help preserve
your car's value.
In addition to this Owner's Manual, the Service Wallet also includes the Operating Manual for your
infotainment system and the Service Schedule. The Service Schedule contains important informa-
tion on Audi service requirements and lists the vehicle's fuel consumption figures. We recommend
that you keep the Service Wallet in the car at all times.
Our Audi R8 dealers are comprehensively trained and qualified to ensure that you receive the
highest level of quality, comfort and convenience. Should you have any further questions
regarding your car or if you suspect that your owner's literature is not complete, please contact
your Audi R8 dealer or importer. They are always glad to answer your queries and note any sugges-
tions you may have.
We wish you safe and enjoyable motoring with your Audi R8.
AUDI AG
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Driver information system 22•
Do not reset the service interval display between services - other-
wise the display will be incorrect.
•
The information in the service interval display remains intact if
the battery is disconnected.
•
On vehicles equipped with the driver information system the
service interval display can also be called up using the on-board
computer.
On-board computerIntroduction
The on-board computer provides you with useful informa-
tion during a journey, including average and current fuel
consumption, average speed, fuel range, driving time and
distance covered.Press the button ⇒page 23, fig. 11 to switch back and
forward between the functions of on-board computers 1 and 2.
The number in the display ⇒fig. 10 indicates which of the two
memories is currently in use. The figure 1 means that the display is
showing the information in the single journey memory (on-board
computer 1). The figure 2 means that the display is showing the
information in the total journey memory (on-board computer 2).Single journey memory (on-board computer 1)
The single journey memory processes the information on a journey
from the time the ignition is switched on until it is switched off. If
the journey is resumed within two hours after the ignition is
switched off, the new figures are automatically included in the
calculation. If the journey is interrupted for more than two hours the
stored information is automatically erased when you resume your
journey.
Total journey memory (on-board computer 2)
Unlike the single journey memory, the total journey memory is not
erased automatically. In this way, you can determine the period for
which you wish the on-board computer to supply figures.
Fuel range
The estimated fuel range is displayed in km. The fuel range is
displayed in increments of 10 km.
Average fuel consumption
This mode shows the average fuel consumption since the memory
was last cancelled in litres/100 km.
Current fuel consumption
The display shows the current fuel consumption in litres/100 km.
When the vehicle is stationary the computer will display the last
value in the memory.
Average speed
This mode shows the average speed driven since the memory was
last cancelled (in km/h).
Driving time
This display shows the period of time which has elapsed since the
memory was last cancelled. The longest possible period it can cover
is 999 hours and 59 minutes.
Fig. 10 On-board
computer: Memory 1
Reset
AB
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Driver information system23
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Distance covered
This display shows the distance you have covered since the memory
was last cancelled. The longest possible distance which can be
recorded is 9999.9 km.
Note
•
The displays for fuel consumption (average and current
consumption), fuel range and speed are shown in metric units.
•
The information in the memory is cancelled if the battery is
disconnected.
Controls
The on-board computer is controlled by means of two
switches on the windscreen wiper lever.Activating on-board computer
– Press the button repeatedly until the on-board
computer (memory 1 or 2) is displayed ⇒page 22,
fig. 10.Selecting a function
– Press the top or bottom of the function selector switch
⇒fig. 11. This displays the functions of the on-board
computer in sequence.
Resetting to zero
– Press and hold the button for at least two
seconds.
The following values can be reset to zero using the button:•
Driving time
•
Distance covered
•
Average fuel consumption
•
Average speed
The on-board computer can only be operated while the ignition is
switched on. When the ignition is switched on, the display shows
the function that was last selected.Note
•
You can also reset the values to zero in the menu display (RESET)
⇒page 24.
•
The information in the memory is cancelled if the battery is
disconnected.
Fig. 11 Windscreen
wiper lever: On-board
computer controls
Reset
AB
AA
Reset
AB
Reset
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Driver information system 24MenusIntroductionSome of the functions in your vehicle can be adjusted, activated and
controlled via menus (e.g. parking aid*). With the aid of the menus
you can then also select the information you wish to see on the
display. This only works when the ignition is on. The menus are acti-
vated via the button and the rocker switch on the wind-
screen wiper lever ⇒fig. 12.The main menu lists the different display types (for technical
reasons, illustrations in this manual are in German language):
Set (Einstellen)
Check (Abfragen)
Menu off (Menü aus)
Help (Hilfe)
The 4 main menu options have the following submenus:
Fig. 12 Windscreen
wiper lever: Controls
for menu displayFig. 13 Display: Main
menu
Reset
Set
Clock
⇒page 26
Computer
⇒page 26
Speed warning
⇒page 32
Language: you can select
one of 6 languages.
⇒page 26
Units: for measuring dis-
tance, fuel consumption
and temperature
⇒page 26
Lights
⇒page 52 ⇒page 54
Wipers (service position)
⇒page 61
Windows
⇒page 43
Doors (Auto Lock)
⇒page 43
Parking aid*
⇒page 85
Check
ServiceChassis number
⇒page 196
Menu off
The menu display will disappear and the lap timer
will appear.
Help
The Help function explains the symbols in the
menu display.
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Heating and cooling79
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data When driving through a tunnel or in queues of traffic, to prevent
fumes entering the interior of the vehicle.
WARNING
For reasons of safety you should not leave the air recirculation
switched on for too long. This mode prevents fresh air from
entering the vehicle, so the windows can mist over if the air
cooling is switched off. Bad visibility can cause an accident.AC mode Activating the AC mode
– Press the button ⇒page 75, fig. 69.
Deactivating the AC mode
– Press the button again.In the AC mode, the air cooling system is switched on and the
heating and ventilation are regulated automatically.
Note
If the LED in the AC button should continue to light up when the AC
mode has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been
switched off) this is due to a defect in one of the air conditioner
components. If a malfunction should occur, please contact a quali-
fied workshop.
Economical operation of the air conditioner
Economical operation of the air conditioner will help to
save fuel.When the air conditioner is operating in the cooling mode it
reduces engine power and increases fuel consumption. To
ensure that the cooling mode is activated only when really
necessary, please note the following points:
– Switch the AC mode off if you wish to save fuel.
– Switch the AC mode off if you decide to open the
windows while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun,
open the windows and doors for a short time to cool the
vehicle.
For the sake of the environmentBy saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted
from your vehicle.Rear window heating
The rear window heating helps to demist the rear window.– Press the
button ⇒page 75, fig. 69 to switch the rear
window heating on or off.
The rear window heating only works when the engine is running. An
indicator lamp in the button lights up when the rear window heater
is switched on.
The rear window heating switches off automatically after about
10 minutes.
ACACAC
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Wheels and tyres167
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Tyre service life
Correct inflation pressures and sensible driving habits
will increase the service life of your tyres.– Check the tyre pressures at least once a month.
– The tyre pressures should only be checked when the
tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres
must not be reduced.
– The pressures must be altered to suit major changes in
the load being carried.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.The service life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. The inflation pres-
sures are listed on a sticker on the driver's door pillar.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high
speeds. The pressures should therefore be checked at least once a
month and before starting a journey.
Driving habits
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing
tyres) all increase tyre wear.
Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration.Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause
excessive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the
safety of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, contact your
Audi R8 dealer.
WARNING
•
Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle
load changes.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident. Always observe the recom-
mended tyre pressures.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
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Wheels and tyres171
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing,
even if the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits
according to speed rating code letter: ⇒
In Germany vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have
an appropriate sticker attached so it is visible to the driver. Suitable
stickers are available from Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers.
Please note regulations to this effect in your country.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable 240 km/h speed rating for
winter tyres with the letter "V" is subject to technical restrictions;
the maximum permissible speed for your vehicle may be signifi-
cantly lower. The maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating
depends directly on the maximum axle weights for your car and on
the listed weight rating of the tyres being used.
It is best to contact an Audi R8 dealer to check the maximum speed
which is permissible for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on the
basis of this information.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for the winter tyres
fitted on your car can cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle – risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon as possible; they give
better handling on roads which are free of snow and ice. Summer
tyres produce less rolling noise, do not wear down as quickly and,
most importantly, reduce fuel consumption.Snow chains
Snow chains will improve the vehicle's handling on snow-
covered roads.– Snow chains can be used on the rear wheels only.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter
conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with
certain wheel rim/tyre combinations.
Only use snow chains with fine-pitch links. The links must not
protrude more than 13,5 mm from the tyres (including tensioner).
Speed rating code letter
⇒page 168
Maximum speed limit
Q
160 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
(please note relevant restrictions)
Rim size
Rim offset
Tyre size
8.5Jx18
42 mm
235/40
8.5Jx19
42 mm
235/35
10.5Jx18
55 mm
285/35
10.5Jx19
55 mm
295/30
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Wheels and tyres 172Remove wheel covers (if fitted) and trim rings before attaching
snow chains. For safety reasons cover caps must then be fitted over
the wheel bolts. These are available from Audi R8 dealers.
Remove the chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise they will
impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Four-wheel drive: Where snow chains are compulsory on certain
roads, this normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow
chains may only be fitted to the rear wheels (also on vehicles with
four-wheel drive).Tyre pressure monitoring systemApplies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemIntroduction
The tyre pressure monitoring system keeps a check on the
inflation pressures of the four road wheels while you are
driving.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by
means of symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display.
The system employs sensors on the wheels. The radio signals from
these sensors are transmitted to the tyre pressure monitoring
system.
Please bear in mind that the tyre inflation pressure is also influ-
enced by the temperature of the tyre. For every 10°C increase in the
tyre temperature the pressure will normally increase by about
0.1 bar. The tyre heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the
tyre pressure will rise accordingly. For this reason, you should only
adjust the tyre pressures when they are cold (i.e. approximately at
ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably,
you should check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at
regular intervals.The tyre pressures recommended for your vehicle are given on the
sticker attached to the driver's door pillar.
Initialising the tyre pressure monitoring system
The inflation pressures for two sets of wheels (e.g. with winter and
summer tyres) are stored on your vehicle. You can change between
these two sets of wheels any number of times without re-initialising
the system.
The tyre pressure monitoring system must be re-initialised by your
Audi R8 dealer if a new set of wheels is used or the electronic
sensors are renewed.
Warning lamp
lit
If the tyre pressure is more than 0.5 bar below the reference value,
the display will show the tyre symbol
with a corresponding
message, such as Tyre pressures too low ⇒.
WARNING
•
If the warning lamp
lights up you must slow down immedi-
ately and avoid any severe braking or steering manoeuvres. As
soon as you can do so safely, stop and check the tyres and the tyre
pressures.
•
Never re-adjust the tyre inflation pressure when the tyre is hot.
This can cause serious damage to the tyre or even a blow-out,
which could result in an accident.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre
wear.
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