2011 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Audi R8 is the arrival of the Spyder convertible, offered with either the V8 or V10. The V8 coupe also gains 10 horsepower, while the rest of the R8 receives smaller equipment and appearance updates.
About the 2011 Audi R8
1st generation R8 (Type 42), pre-refresh expansion year with the Spyder body style added to the U.S. range.
Audi positioned the R8 as a true mid-engine exotic that mixed race-car influence with everyday usability better than most supercars. The message centered on Le Mans-derived engineering, quattro all-wheel drive traction, hand-built construction, and dramatic styling without making the car impossible to live with. In buyer terms, the R8’s appeal was supercar looks and speed with a more approachable cabin, better visibility, and easier daily use than many rivals.
The 2011 R8 lineup spans fixed-roof coupes and open-top Spyders, all with a mid-engine layout and all-wheel drive. The 4.2 models use a 430-hp V8, while the more performance-focused 5.2 models have a 525-hp V10, full LED headlights, premium audio, navigation, and a rearview camera. Spyder models add a power-folding soft top, with the V10 Spyder also featuring a separate power rear glass window.
What changed, by category
2011 Audi R8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V8, 4.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd R tronic | Auto, 6-Spd R tronic | Auto, 6-Spd R tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 11 mpg | 12 mpg | 13 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 430 hp | 525 hp | 430 hp | 525 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 3.5 cu-ft | 3.5 cu-ft | 3.5 cu-ft | 3.5 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Audi R8?
The biggest change is the addition of the R8 Spyder convertible to the U.S. lineup. Audi offered it with either the 430-hp V8 or the 525-hp V10.
Does the 2011 Audi R8 have more power than the 2010 model?
Yes, the 2011 R8 4.2 coupe has 430 horsepower, up 10 hp from 2010. The 5.2 models retain their 525-hp V10.
Is the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder offered with both V8 and V10 engines?
Yes, the 2011 R8 Spyder comes in 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 versions. Both use all-wheel drive and a power-folding soft top.
Is the 2011 Audi R8 a full redesign?
No, the 2011 R8 is not a full redesign. It remains part of the first-generation R8 lineup, with the new Spyder body style representing an expansion of the existing range.
What other updates did the 2011 Audi R8 receive?
The V8 lineup receives an updated Bluetooth phone setup, while the V10 coupe gains model-specific adaptive suspension tuning and dark taillight lenses.