DecodedCars2012 Audi R8 Spyder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 5.2L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 13 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 23% below the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Audi R8 Spyder is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 5.2L 10-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (13 city / 21 highway), 23% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 R8 Spyder — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 R8 Spyder →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 Spyder | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -23% | $5,150 | 555 |
| R8 Spyder | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 592 |
| R8 Spyder | 5.2L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
| R8 Spyder | 4.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 20 / 14 | -32% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Audi R8 Spyder (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi R8 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus LFA | 13 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Audi R8 Spyder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Audi R8 Spyder buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Audi R8 Spyder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other R8 Spyder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 R8 Spyder | 17 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 R8 Spyder | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 R8 Spyder | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 R8 Spyder | 16 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →