2020 AUDI R8 COUPE towing

Table of contents

About this Owner's Manual......
SUMIMALY: ; « ss6% : osen ss sean cs poe s
Quick ACCESS ki... ose bs ees ae ees
Cockpit overview.............-000005
Indicator lights overview...........0.
Display and operation............
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
Coolant temperature indicator.........
Tachometer.......... 0.0 eee eee eee
Odometer as = s eee = seen ge zee a tows e
Outside temperature display...........
Fuellevel............20..0.000200005
Multifunction steering wheel..........
Vehicle TuUNCtionS « esivrs s «scene vo sonine vo
MessageS ... 0... eee eee eee
Starting and driving.............
Opening and closing.............
Central locking 2.2% ieee seven a eevee
Luggage compartment lid.............
Power windows.............0.00 0005
Garage door opener..........---..0--
POWER EOPE: « «cece 0 csv « o semiens 6 0 eens
Automatic power top.................
Wind deflector oces « eges sv sees se ees
Rear wind OW iar es cs Power top emergency operation........
Lights and Vision.................
Exterior lighting...................4.
Interior Ughtingcs « ¢ cean a cas cs ews 5
VISIONS « & comes oo man a 8 eee a a oa 3 oe
Windshield wipers...................
Digital compass.............0.-00 00
Stowing and using...............
POWerSOUTECES saa + gasem x 2 were oe wees
SEONAGE waver cv mamas a 6 maven ¥ 9 ane wv ERE
Luggage compartment...............
NOD
OO
12 12
14
16
21 21 21
27
28
29
32 32
34
35 35
40
40
45
45
47 49
50 50 50
53 53 53
54
Warnmmiameicolheicss «ssc x 6 sees ow vee
Climate control system............00.
DRIVING: & tacos 6 2 maemo e eae 0 x iano 4
Generalinformation.................
Steering « secu s ¢ rams 3 i ees FP ew Fe He
Starting and stopping the engine.......
Start/Stop system...............000.
Electromechanical parking brake.......
Starting tod rive « seus ¢ 2 eww a v aes sw oe
Sporty driving............ eee eee eee
Automatic transmission..............
Trailer towing « « cscs ss swans v ones 6 srs
Driver assistance.................
Assist systems................0..
Speed warning system...............-
Cruise control system................
LAptINIen wes + x eogn x woe 5 sR ee BOS
Audi drive select (drive settings)........
PA@FKING AIG): © access & eons s & cerns 2 ¢ Sa
INEROMUEHION ei: <2 ccswoe 2 siswinn oe wie 4 aries
Parking system plus.............-.00.

Rearview camera
Intelligent Technology...........
Electronic stabilization control (ESC) ....
SC@OMIING @ sxsicue ao ereses so cases wv oR ev OS
All wheel drive (quattro) ..............
Rear spoilers = ses « z sass s ¢ ees a F ews
Energy management.................
Notice about data recorded by the Event
Data Recorder and vehicle control
Infotainment system............
Multi Media Interface............
Traffic safety information.............
Introduction............. 0.000022 0 ee
MMI On/Off knob with joystick function . .
MMT Operations» « exis » + anvcene « w scree ¥
MMI touch.......... 0.0 cece eee eee ee
Control knob with joystick function... ..
56
59
59,
60 60
62
65
66 67 67
73
74 74 74 74
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91 93 93 93 93 93
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Table of contents

Airbagisy Stems: «5 ssisces oe swwewes w 8 on
Important information...............
FrONt airbags: « sews ss maw 5 2 oes * eee
Monitoring the Advanced Airbag System .
Knee airbags............ 0. eee eee eee
Side@ airbags -«. « ¢ ses 2 seus oe ees se oe
Side curtain airbags..............0 eee
Child safety......................
Important information...............
Child safety seats.............0..000.
Securing child safety seats............
Additional information...............
Refueling .......... 0000 ences
Emissions control system.............
Engine compartment.................
Engine oil... 6... ee eee eee ee eee
Cooling’system « « ace se wees sv een so oe
Brakesfluidss « s sssvon se ian a a scone a v annua
Electrical system. ..........0.02-000.
Battery’: s < sccm 7 « een ¢ 8 oe E RE BE He
Windshield washer system............
Service interval display...............
Care and cleaning................
Generalinformation.................
Car Washes « sues s « geen ce tem se ome sg
Cleaning and care information.........
Taking your vehicle out of service.......
Doilt VoOurselP sess cscs wos a 2 ween
Emergency assistance...........
Generalinformation.................
EQGUIPIMENE isos « o nowy 3 wees ao eenes & x oe
Tire mobility kit..................00.
Replacing wheels.............-...5-5
JUIMIPISTAKEING 5 x sors ow canons @ a sxmnwes vo seus 277
TOWING... cece eee 278
Fuses and bulbs.................. 281
Fuses... 00... ccc eee eee eee 281
BUILDS sss s ¢ ware 5% Soom 5 2 cores Bee gee 282
Customer information........... 284
Accessories and technical
GCHATIQGS:: « x cea 5 saws 5c epee oc wn ce 284
Warranty. c= cess oo wennire oo epee» e eres 284
Audi Literature Shop..............00- 284
Driving in other countries............. 284
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
modifications...............02.-008- 284
Accessories and parts..............-. 286
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 286
Declaration of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronic systeMS........ 000. e eee 287
Techical Gata... ; cscs ss mance eas 289
Identification data................0.. 289
Vehicle data........ 2... eee eee eee 289
ENGUOX: s acces & 2 seeee © = ems & ¢ eee Fg Be 291,

Power top

Power top
Automatic power top
ere eleurl lela)
Applies to: vehicles with power top
The power top opens and closes automatically.
When open, the power top is stored completely
in the power top compartment. The power top
can be opened or closed at speeds up to 30 mph
(50 km/h). The power top will not open when the
temperature is below 5 °F (-15 °C).
Under normal conditions, the power top is wind-
and waterproof. In rare cases, small droplets of
water may form under extreme weather condi-
tions such as torrential or prolonged rain. That is
normal and no cause for concern.
Follow the care instructions to keep the power
top free of leaks and to maintain its appearance
= page 265, Care and cleaning. Also observe the
following:
— Open and stow the power top only when it is
clean and dry. Stowing the power top when it is
damp can create imprints in it, and if it is left
that way for long periods of time, mildew and
other damage can form. To prevent scratching
or damaging the power top, do not use any
sharp-edged objects to remove ice and snow.
The rear window may be cleared with a stand-
ard ice scraper.
— Do not leave the power top open for several
weeks or the creases in it may become discol-
ored.
— Do not open the power top when the tempera-
ture is below 32 °F (0 °C). The fabric in the
power top loses elasticity in sub-zero tempera-
tures.
32
Opening and closing the power top
Applies to: vehicles with power top

Fig. 28 Center console: power top switch
Requirement: the engine compartment lid must
be closed.
Opening and closing the power top
> Switch the ignition on.
> To open or close the power top, pull or press
and hold the switch until it is completely
opened or closed.
Opening/closing the power top using the
one-touch function
> Switch the ignition on.
> To open/close the power top all the way, briefly
pull/press the power top switch. It is not neces-
sary to hold the switch. The one-touch function
is only available at speeds between 4 mph
(6 km/h) and 30 mph (50 km/h).
The status of the power top is shown in the in-
strument cluster when operating the power top
switch.
A message will appear in the instrument cluster
if the power top cannot be opened or closed.

ZA\ WARNING
— When operating the power top, make sure
the function is not affected by wind or other
factors and that it does not interfere with
other drivers.
— Never drive when the power top is not
locked correctly. The wind from driving
could cause the power top to open. This can
result in injuries and damage to the vehicle. |P>

4S1012721BA
Stowing and using

Stowing and using
Power sources
When the ignition is switched on, you may be
able to use the electric power sources for exter-
nal devices, depending on the vehicle equipment.
12 volt sockets
You can connect electrical accessories to the 12
volt sockets. The power usage must not exceed
120 watts.
The 12 volt sockets are labeled with the & or
12V symbol. They are located in the front center
console* and on the side trim panel in the lug-
gage compartment*.
USB ports
Applies to: vehicles with USB port
You can charge mobile devices using the USB
ports. The USB ports are labeled with the «> or
[4 symbol or CHARGE ONLY.


Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of fatal injury, store all
connected devices securely when driving so
that they do not move around inside the ve-
hicle when braking or in the event of an acci-
dent.
— Incorrect usage can lead to serious injuries
or burns. To reduce the risk of injuries, never
leave children unattended in the vehicle
with the vehicle key.

@) Note
— Read the operating manuals for the con-
nected devices.
—To reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle
electrical system, never attempt to charge
the vehicle battery by connecting accesso-
ries that provide power to the power sour-
ces.
— Do not connect any device whose network
class (voltage) does not match the network
class designed for the socket.
— Disconnect the connectors from the power
sources carefully to reduce the risk of dam-
aging them.
Storage
Cup holders
Applies to: vehicles with cup holders
Fre} KR So
g > c oO

Fig. 66 Center armrest folded up: Cup holders
> To use the cup holder under the center armrest,
fold it upward > page 52.
> Fold the plastic bracket toward the rear, if nec-
essary > fig. 66.

Z\ WARNING
Spilled hot liquid can increase the risk of acci-
dents and injuries.
— Never drive with containers that contain hot
liquid such as coffee or tea. The hot liquid
could spill and cause burns during a colli-
sion, sudden braking or other vehicle move-
ment. Spilled hot liquid can also increase
the risk of accidents and injuries.
— Only use soft containers in the cup holders.
Hard cups and glasses can increase the risk
of injury during a collision.
— Never use the cup holder or the adapter as
an ashtray because this is a fire hazard.


53

Stowing and using

@) Note
Beverage containers in the cup holders should
always
have a lid. Otherwise, the liquid inside
could spill and cause damage to vehicle
equipment.
Add

nal storage compartments
You will find a variety of storage compartments
and holders at various locations in the vehicle.
— Compartments in the doors
— Storage area in the glove compartment. The
glove compartment can be locked using the
mechanical key > page 23.
— Storage compartment under the center arm-
rest*
— Key compartment in the center console
— Coat hooks
— Storage compartment between the seat backr-
ests*

ZA\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of injury, make sure all
storage compartments are always closed
while driving.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— Only use the storage compartments in the
door trim panels to store small objects that
will not stick out of the compartment and
impair the function of the side airbags.
— Make sure your view toward the rear is not
blocked, for example by hanging clothing or
objects in the vehicle.
— Only lightweight clothing should be hung
from the garment hooks in the vehicle. Do
not use clothes hangers to hang clothing.
The pockets of the clothing must not con-
tain any heavy, breakable, or sharp-edged
objects. This could impair the effectiveness
of the side curtain airbags.

54
@) Note
Make sure that the heating grid strips for the
rear window defogger are not damaged by
abrasive objects.
Luggage compartment
General information
All pieces of luggage or objects must be securely
stowed.
Even small and light objects can absorb so much
energy during a collision or an accident that they
can cause severe injuries.

Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of injury, always stow ob-
jects
securely in the luggage compartment.
— When transporting heavy objects, the vehi-
cle characteristics will change due to the
shift in the center of gravity, which increases
the risk of an accident. You may need to
adapt your driving style and speed to the
current conditions.
— Never exceed the permitted axle and load
and vehicle weight > page 290.
— Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially if the luggage compartment lid is
open. Children could enter the luggage com-
partment and close the luggage compart-
ment lid from the inside. This creates the
risk of fatal injury, since the children would
be locked in and may not be able to escape
by themselves.
— Do not allow children to play in or on the ve-
hicle. Close and lock the luggage compart-
ment lid as well as all other doors when you
leave the vehicle.
— Never transport passengers in the luggage
compartment. Every passenger must be cor-
rectly secured with the safety belts in the
vehicle > page 180.
() Note
Make sure that the heating grid strips for the
rear window defogger are not damaged by
abrasive objects.

451012721BA
Stowing and using

—The tire pressure must be adapted to the
load > page 254.
— You can purchase straps at specialty stores.
55

Driving

lever positions, you must press the release but-
ton @ on the selector lever and/or press the
brake pedal > fig. 73.
You must press the brake pedal to engage a se-
lector lever position when the engine is running
and the vehicle is stationary.
You do not have to press the brake pedal if you
shift from "D" to "R" within one second. This al-
lows you to “rock” the vehicle to free it when it is
stuck.
P - Park
The wheels are locked in this position. Only shift
into park when the vehicle is stationary > A\. To
select the "P" selector lever position, press the
"P" button 2) on the selector lever > fig. 73. P
appears next to the selector lever.
You can only shift out of park when the engine is
running and you are pressing the brake pedal. To
release the parking lock, press the brake pedal,
press the locking button @ on the selector lever
and select the desired selector lever position
> fig. 73.
P engages automatically when you switch the en-
gine off while D, S or R is engaged or in manual
mode.
If you switch the engine off when the N position
is selected, the transmission remains in N for ap-
proximately 20 minutes and then P is engaged.
You must use the parking lock emergency release
before towing the vehicle > page 73.
R - Reverse
The reverse gear is engaged in this position. Only
select reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary
and the engine is running at idle speed > A. To
engage the "R" selector lever position, press the
brake pedal, press the release button (@) on the
selector lever, and select the "R" position
> fig. 73.
A tone will sound when the reverse gear is engag-
ed.
68
N - Neutral (idle)
The transmission is in idle in this position. To en-
gage the N selector lever position, press the lock-
ing button @ on the selector lever and select the
N position > fig. 73 or pull both shift paddles at
the same time > page 71, fig. 75.
If you switch the engine off when the N position
is selected, the transmission remains in N for ap-
proximately 20 minutes and then P is engaged.
You cannot select the "N" position when the igni-
tion is switched off. When driving through an au-
tomatic car wash, first select the "N" position and
then turn the engine off.
For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot be locked
when the transmission is in the "N" position.
D/S - Driving forward
When the transmission is in the "D/S" position, it
can be operated either in the normal "D" mode or
in the "S" sport mode. Move the selector lever
back to engage the "S" sport mode. You can only
select the S selector lever position when "D" is
engaged. To select the "D" selector lever position
again when "S" is engaged, move the selector lev-
er back > A\. To shift from "N" to "D" when travel-
ing at speeds below 1 mph (2 km/h), press the
brake pedal and shift into the "D" position > A.
In the normal mode "D", the transmission auto-
matically selects the correct gear. It depends on
engine load, vehicle speed and driving style.
Select the sport mode "S" for sporty driving. The
vehicle makes full use of the engine's power.
Shifting may become noticeable when accelerat-
ing.
The "S" selector lever position engages automati-
cally when you select the dynamic mode in drive
select.
Additional driving programs are available when
you select the performance mode* > page 79.

Z\ WARNING
— Before starting to drive, check if the desired
selector lever position is displayed next to
the selector lever.

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.