2015 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Audi R8 is the arrival of two top-end special editions: the V10 Carbon Spyder and the 570-hp, U.S.-only competition Coupe. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with few changes to the regular lineup.
About the 2015 Audi R8
1st generation R8 (Type 42), facelifted 2014-2015, final U.S. model year before a one-year gap ahead of the redesigned 2017 R8.
Audi positions the R8 as an exotic mid-engine supercar that still feels usable day to day. Its core appeal is the mix of dramatic styling, a hand-built-feeling cabin, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and engines that sound special even at normal road speeds. Compared with rivals, the R8 leans less on intimidation and more on approachability: it is meant to be thrilling on a fast road but easier to live with than many traditional exotics.
The 2015 R8 lineup ranges from the road-friendly V8 and well-equipped V10 to the firmer, track-focused V10 plus. The open-top V10 Carbon combines 550 hp with carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon-fiber trim, while the competition Coupe tops the range with 570 hp, a sport exhaust, and more aggressive carbon-fiber bodywork.
What changed, by category
2015 Audi R8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 430 hp | 525 hp | 550 hp | 550 hp | 570 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft | |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Audi R8 a major redesign?
No. The 2015 R8 is a light update to the facelifted first-generation model, following the larger 2014 refresh. Its aluminum body, mid-engine layout, and standard all-wheel drive remain largely unchanged.
What is new on the 2015 Audi R8?
The main additions are the V10 Carbon Spyder and the U.S.-only competition Coupe. The regular lineup changes little beyond heated power-folding mirrors becoming standard on V8 models.
What is the 2015 Audi R8 competition Coupe?
The 2015 R8 competition is a 60-car, U.S.-only special edition with a 570-hp V10, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, sport exhaust, and carbon-fiber aerodynamic parts.
What is the 2015 Audi R8 V10 Carbon Spyder?
The 2015 R8 V10 Carbon is a Spyder-only special edition with a 550-hp V10, carbon-ceramic brakes, and visible carbon-fiber exterior trim. It keeps the navigation, premium audio, and rearview camera of the well-equipped V10 Spyder.
Did the regular 2015 Audi R8 lineup change much from 2014?
No. Most regular 2015 R8 models carry over from 2014. The notable equipment change is that heated power-folding mirrors become standard on V8 models.
2015 Audi R8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Audi R8.