2020 AUDI R8 COUPE engine

4S1012721BA
Driving


— The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is
switched off.
— Power is still transmitted to the wheels
when the engine is running at idle. To pre-
vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must
keep your foot on the brake in all selector
lever positions (except "P" and "N") when
the engine is running.
— Before opening the engine compartment lid,
select the "P" selector lever position and set
the parking brake. This reduces the risk of
an accident. Always read and follow the ap-
plicable warnings > page 229, General in-

formation.
@ Tips
If you accidentally select "N" while driving,
take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
wait for the engine to slow down to idle be-
fore selecting "D" or "S".
Starting the engine

> The Por N position must be selected.
Starting from a stop
> Press and hold the brake pedal.
> Start the engine > page 60.
> Press the locking button @ on the selector lev-
er and select the D/S or R position > page 67.
> Wait a moment until the transmission shifts.
You will notice a slight movement when the
gear engages.
> Release the brake pedal and press the accelera-
tor pedal > A\.
Various convenience functions are available for
starting on hills > page 66.
Stopping temporarily
> Press the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, for
example at a traffic light. Do not press the ac-
celerator pedal when doing this.
> To prevent the vehicle from rolling when you
start driving, set the parking brake when stop-
ping on steep hills > A\ and >@).
> The parking brake will release automatically
and the vehicle will start moving once you press
the accelerator pedal.
Stopping or parking
If the selector lever is not in the "P" position
when you open the driver’s door, the vehicle
could roll.
> Press and hold the brake pedal > A\.
> Set the parking brake.
> To select the "P" selector lever position, press
the "P" button (2) on the selector lever
=> page 67, fig. 73.
Under certain conditions, such as driving in the
mountains, it may be helpful to switch to manual
mode temporarily to adapt to the driving condi-
tions manually > page 71.
On hills, activate the parking brake first and then
shift into the "P" position. This prevents too
much stress from being placed on the locking
mechanism.

ZA WARNING
— Do not press the accelerator pedal when
changing the selector lever position while
the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
running. This could result in a crash.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, never se-
lect the "R" or "P" positions while driving.
— Do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal when the vehicle is stationary. Other-
wise the vehicle will start to move immedi-
ately, even if the parking brake is set. This
could result in a crash.

@) Note
— When stopping on an incline, do not try to
hold the vehicle in place by pressing the ac-
celerator pedal while a driving gear is se-
lected. This can cause the automatic trans-
mission to overheat and can damage it. Set
the parking brake or press the brake pedal
to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
— Allowing the vehicle to roll when the engine
is stopped while the selector lever is in the
"N" position will damage the automatic
69
>

Driving

transmission, because it is not lubricated
under those circumstances > page 278,
Towing.
— The transmission can overheat and be dam-
aged under certain driving and traffic condi-
tions such as frequent starts, creeping for a
long time, or stop-and-go traffic. When the
fs} or i] indicator light turns on, stop the
vehicle at the next opportunity and let the
transmission cool > page 72.
G) Tips
For safety reasons, the parking brake only re-
leases automatically when the driver's door is
closed.
Launch Control Program
The Launch Control Program enables maximum
acceleration.
Requirement: the engine and transmission must
be at operating temperature and the steering
wheel must not be turned. The performance
mode* must be selected or dynamic mode must
be selected in Audi drive select.

> With the engine running, press the |SOFF] but-
ton briefly one time).
> Press the brake pedal firmly with your left foot
and hold it all the way down for at least 1 sec-
ond.
> Press the accelerator pedal down completely at
the same time until the engine reaches a high
RPM that remains constant and the message
appears Launch control program: activated ap-
pears.
> Remove your left foot from the brake.


ZA WARNING
— Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.
— Only use Launch Control when road and traf-
fic conditions allow it and other drivers will


D_ The ESC light turns on and stays on, and the message Sta-
bilization control (ESC): sport. Warning! Limited stabili-
ty appears temporarily in the Infotainment system to indi-
cate that the system was deactivated.
70


not be endangered or impacted by your driv-
ing and the vehicle's acceleration.
— Please note that the drive wheels can spin
and the vehicle can break away when ESC
sport mode is switched on, especially when
the road is slippery.
— Once the vehicle has started moving, press
the |[& OFF] button briefly to turn the ESC
sport mode off again.



G@) Tips
— The transmission temperature may increase
significantly after using the launch control
program. If that happens, the program may
not be available for a few minutes. It will be
available again after a cool-down period.
— When accelerating using the launch control
program, all vehicle parts are subject to
heavy loads. This can lead to increased wear.

4S1012721BA
Driving

Shifting manually (tiptronic mode)
The tiptronic mode allows the driver to shift the
gears manually.

Fig. 74 Center console: shifting manually with the selector
lever

B4S-0044

Shifting with the selector lever
You can shift into tiptronic mode while the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving.
> To shift into tiptronic mode, push the selector
lever from the "D/S" position to the right. As
soon as the transmission switches over, the "M"
selector lever position will appear in the Info-
tainment system display.
> To shift up a gear, tap the selector lever for-
ward @) © fig. 74.
> To shift down a gear, tap the selector lever
backward (©).
> To switch tiptronic mode off, push the selector
lever back into the "D/S" position.
Starting to drive using the shift paddles
You can operate the shift paddles in the "P" or "N"
selector lever positions.
> Press and hold the brake pedal.
>» Start the engine > page 60.
> To engage a gear, tap the @) shift paddle
> fig. 75.
> Release the brake pedal and press the accelera-
tor pedal > A\ in Driving tips on page 69.
> To engage the "N" position, tap both shift pad-
dles at the same time.
Shifting with the shift paddles
You can operate the shift paddles in the "D/S" or
"M" selector lever positions.
> To shift up a gear, tap the shift paddle @)
> fig. 75.
> To engage the highest gear, hold the @) shift
paddle.
> To shift down a gear, tap the () shift paddle.
> To shift into the lowest gear, hold the © shift
paddle.
When accelerating, the transmission does not
automatically shift to the next gear shortly be-
fore the maximum permitted engine RPM is
reached. Shift to the next highest gear at the
right time.
The transmission only allows manual shifting
when the engine speed is within the permitted
range.
Kick-down enables maximum acceleration.
When you press the accelerator pedal down be-
yond the resistance point, the automatic trans-
mission downshifts into a lower gear and the en-
gine utilizes its full power, if the vehicle speed
and engine RPM permit. It shifts up into the next
higher gear once the maximum permitted engine
RPM is reached.

Z\ WARNING
Please note that the wheels could spin on
slick or slippery roads when kick-down is ac-
tive.
@) Tips
Kick-down is only available in manual mode
when the “comfort” or “auto” driving pro-
gram is selected. Likewise, an upshift occurs >


71

Driving

in manual mode before reaching the maxi-
mum engine speed only in the “comfort” or
“auto” driving programs.
Transmission malfunction
i Transmission: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
Do not continue driving. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible in a safe location and secure it so it
does not roll. See an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
5 Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
fs} P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the
selector lever. The transmission automatically
engages "P" when you switch off the engine.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Transmission: please press brake pedal and se-
lect gear again
Press the brake pedal and select the desired se-
lector lever position again. You can then continue
driving.
5 Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving
style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly. Drive very cautiously or take a break
from driving until the temperature returns to the
normal range and the indicator light turns off.
fl Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. See owner's manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
72
[Gj Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be
able to select any other selector lever positions
after starting the engine again. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
i} Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
+} Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
i Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
— The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 73. Or
— The parking lock can no longer be engaged.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
There is a malfunction in the tiptronic mode. End
tiptronic mode by pushing the selector lever to
the left into the "D/S" position.

Assist systems

Assist systems
Speed warning system
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
The speed warning system helps you to stay be-
low a specified maximum speed that can be set,
changed or deleted in the Infotainment system.
The speed warning system warns you if you are
exceeding the maximum speed that you have set.
A warning tone will sound as soon as your speed
exceeds the stored value slightly. The ow in-
dicator light and a message will appear in the in-
strument cluster display at the same time. The
bbe) indicator light and the message turn off if
the speed falls back below the stored maximum
speed.
Setting a threshold is recommended if you would
like to be reminded when you reach a certain
maximum speed. Situations where you may want
to do so include driving in a country with a gener-
al speed limit or if there is a specified maximum
speed for winter tires.
Setting the warning threshold

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Driver as-
sistance > Speed warning > Manual.
G) Tips
Regardless of the speed warning system, you
should always monitor your speed using the
speedometer and make sure you are following
the legal speed limit.

Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.
74

Z\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.
() Note
Before driving downhill a long distance on a
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
G) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


BFV-0220



Fig. 78 Operating lever: Switching on the cruise control
system
Requirement: Switch the ignition on.

Assist systems

Audi drive select (drive
settings)
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-
cle. The driver can select from four modes: Com-
fort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual using the
ssa button on the steering wheel or through the
Infotainment system to switch between a sporty
and a comfortable driving mode, for example. In
the Individual mode, the settings can be adjust-
ed to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty en-
gine setting with light steering.

Z\ WARNING
Using Audi drive select incorrectly can lead to
collisions, other accidents and serious inju-
ries.
The vehicle setup in each mode depends on the
vehicle's features.

Engine and automatic transmission
Depending on the mode, the engine and auto-
matic transmission respond more quickly or in a
more balanced manner to accelerator pedal
movements.
Suspension control (Audi magnetic ride)*
The suspension control uses sensors to record in-
formation regarding steering movements, brak-
ing and acceleration operations by the driver, as
well as information about the road surface, driv-
ing speed, and load. With drive select, you can
adjust the suspension control to sporty (dynam-
ic), comfortable (comfort) or balanced (auto).
Steering
The power steering adapts. Indirect steering that
moves easily as in comfort mode is especially
suited to long drives on a highway. The dynamic
mode provides sporty, direct steering.
78

Torque distribution*
The all wheel drive distributes the drive power to
the rear axle based on the situation. The distribu-
tion of power varies depending on the selected
mode from moderate (Comfort) to sporty (Dy-
namic). The goal is a high level of agility and abil-
ity to accelerate on curves. The vehicle is very re-
sponsive to steering.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts to the current mode
and can be subtle to sporty.
@ Tips
In some models, the maximum vehicle speed
can only be reached in the auto and dynamic
modes.
Selecting the driving mode
You can choose between comfort, auto, dynamic
and individual.
io
):
Fig. 82 Steering wheel: drive select button and perform-
ance mode*
> Press the button > fig. 82 @ or
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Audi drive
select.
> Select and confirm the desired setting.


You can change the driving mode when the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-
mits, after changing modes, briefly remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal so that the re-
cently selected mode is also activated for the en-
gine.
Comfort - Results in a comfort-oriented vehicle
calibration

4S1012721BA
Assist systems

Auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use.
Dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style.
Individual - > page 79.
Setting the driving program
Depending on the driving mode selected, you can
select additional driving programs with the selec-
tor lever.
D/M - Driving forward
When the transmission is in the D/M position, it
can be operated either in the D normal mode or
in the M manual mode. To engage the M manual
mode, move the selector lever into the tiptronic
gate
or use the shift paddles. You can only select
the M selector lever position when D is engaged.
To engage D from the M selector lever position,
move the selector lever out of the tiptronic gate
to D/S or tap it once toward the rear > A\ in Se-
lecting a selector lever position on page 68. To
shift from N to D when traveling at speeds below
2 mph (2 km/h), press the brake pedal and shift
into the D position > A\ in Selecting a selector
lever position on page 68.
S/MS - Driving forward
When the transmission is in the S/MS position, it
can be operated either in the S sport mode or in
the MS manual mode. To engage the MS manual
mode, move the selector lever into the tiptronic
gate
or use the shift paddles. You can only select
the MS selector lever position when S is engaged.
To engage S from the MS selector lever position,
move the selector lever out of the tiptronic gate
to D/S or tap it once toward the rear > A\ in Se-
lecting a selector lever position on page 68. To
shift from N to S when traveling at speeds below
2 mph (2 km/h), press the brake pedal and shift
into the S position > A in Selecting a selector
lever position on page 68.
M Performance - Driving forward
The transmission can be operated in the MS
mode when the selector Lever is in the M posi-
tion. To engage the manual “MS” performance
mode, press the performance mode button on
the steering wheel.
Performance mode
Applies to: vehicles with performance mode
The vehicle is configured in performance mode
for sporty driving.
The suspension setting, engine and transmission
characteristics change when driving in perform-
ance mode. It is switched on or off with the per-
formance mode button on the steering wheel.
Road conditions
Using the knob > page 78, fig. 82 2), you can op-
timize the vehicle settings for the current road
conditions (such as wet roads).

ZA WARNING
Please note that the stabilization functions
provided by the ESC and the ASR are limited
when performance mode is switched on. To
reduce the risk of sliding, only switch per-
formance mode on when your driving abilities
and the traffic situation permit.

Adjusting the Individual mode
You can adjust the vehicle settings to your personal preferences.
> Press the sist button > Individual > right con-
trol button, or
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button>Audi drive
select
> Individual > right control button


After you have closed the settings, you will auto-
matically drive in the Individual* mode.
The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust. The following ta-
ble gives an overview of the characteristics.
79
>

Assist systems




Engine/transmission comfortable balanced sporty
Steering comfortable balanced sporty
Suspension control* comfortable balanced sporty
Engine sound subtle balanced sporty
quattro* comfortable balanced sporty


Your Individual* mode settings are automati-
cally stored and assigned to the remote con-
trol key being used.
80