Valved Exhaust System for Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8 (2008-2015)
Configuration
Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8 Valved Exhaust System (2008-2015)
Valves
Operated by remote control, factory-paired.
Estimated at 0.50 m from the outlet, 45°, 2,000 rpm with a warm engine. Allow ± 2 dB depending on the engine and measuring point. A 3 dB difference is audible in a direct comparison; 10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud.
Configuration guide
Sound intensity with the valves open, on a scale of 0 to 10.
| Configuration | Intensity |
|---|---|
| Decat manifolds + Rog cat-back | 10/10 |
| 100-cell sports catalytic converter + Rog cat-back | 9/10 |
| 200-cell sports catalytic converter + Rog cat-back | 8/10 |
| Rog cat-back only, factory catalytic converter retained | 7/10 |
| Factory exhaust, for comparison | 3/10 |
The Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8 exhaust in detail.
The first R8, type 42, houses behind its seats a naturally aspirated 4.2 FSI, a high-revving V8 that goes beyond 8,000 rpm with a response modern turbos cannot reproduce. It produces 420 to 430 hp depending on the version, with 430 Nm. Our page covers cars from 2008 to 2015, with the V10 R8 42 and the R8 4S covered separately.
Behind the driver, the V8 first sings with a gravelly voice in the mid-range, then howls beyond 7,000 rpm. The heavy, filtered factory exhaust holds some of it back, precisely where the V8 builds its crescendo. With the valves open, our valved cat-back reduces back pressure and makes the climb continuous from idle to the red line; with the valves closed, the R8 stays usable every day without fatigue.
On a mid-engined supercar, the system after the catalytic converters is short and compact: silencers and valves, attached with clamps and gaskets without welding, in about two hours. The factory valves remain controlled by the car; failing that, the Rog remote, with its box in the boot, opens and closes them.
The “Manifold” option lives up to its name on this naturally aspirated V8: it replaces the manifolds, along with their catalytic converters. Anyone taking their R8 V8 out on the road at weekends will keep the 200-cell manifolds, which retain emissions control; the 100-cell ones are accepted or not depending on the car and the rules in your country, and the decat version is reserved for track use. The power gain remains real but modest, 3 to 8% with an ECU remap. As for material, the R8 takes 304 stainless steel as well as titanium, around 40% lighter and offered in brushed, gold or purple.
Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8 exhaust specifications.
| System type | Valved cat-back (valve exhaust), compact mid-engine layout |
|---|---|
| Vehicle and chassis code | Audi R8 type 42 4.2 V8, coupé and Spyder (V8 Spyder from 2010) |
| Engine | 4.2 FSI, naturally aspirated V8, 420 to 430 hp and 430 Nm depending on the version |
| Years | 2008-2015 |
| Materials and finishes | 304 stainless steel or titanium; titanium in brushed, gold or purple |
| Valves | Factory valve control if fitted, otherwise the Rog remote |
| Front section (option) | Manifolds with 200-cell or 100-cell catalytic converters, or decat |
| Fitting | Clamps and gaskets, no welding, about 2 hours |
| Manufacturing and delivery | Made to order, 20 working days, free delivery |
| Warranty | 3 years, parts and workmanship |
Questions about the Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8 exhaust.
Is the R8 42 V8 Spyder covered by this system?
Yes. The R8 42 4.2 V8 coupé and Spyder, offered from 2010, take the same Rog system, with the same clamp-and-gasket fitting. 2007 R8s, however, are not covered by this page.
Are the manifolds worth the expense on an R8 42 V8?
On this naturally aspirated V8, the gain exists but remains modest, 3 to 8% with an ECU remap; for the 430 hp version, the page publishes 478 hp and 481 Nm at Stage 2. If you are after the voice first, the cat-back alone is enough.
Modified R8 42 V8: what precautions before the vehicle inspection?
Closing the valves is enough to bring the V8 back to its stock level. The 200-cell manifolds, like the cat-back alone, leave emissions control intact. For the 100-cell manifolds, the outcome depends on the car and the rules in your country; in decat form, they restrict the R8 to the circuit.
Does the R8 42 V8’s ECU need to be touched for the system?
No: the original Audi engine management suits the cat-back, and the V8 keeps its 420 or 430 hp. An ECU remap only comes into consideration if you fit the manifolds and want to get a little power out of them.
Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 4.2 V8: Does a valved exhaust system drone?
No. With the valves closed, the gases flow through the whole rear silencer and the cabin stays calm at a steady speed. Our Rog exhausts are designed to avoid drone. Learn more: Why our systems stay calm on the motorway.
Rog expert guide
Audi R8 / R8 Spyder 42 V8: bringing out the naturally aspirated V8, the complete exhaust system guide
The R8 V8 is the gateway to the world of naturally aspirated supercars, and some purists even prefer it to the V10 for its balance. Its 4.2 FSI revs to 8,250 rpm with rare mechanical purity. The Rog exhaust system...
In detail
Rog Advisor
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Fitment, sound, catalyst, valves, delivery: the answer comes straight away, with your configuration in context.
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Rog presentation film: choosing your vehicle, Standard or Equal Length design, stainless steel or titanium, Z-Pipe, controlled valves, titanium and tip finishes, and support from choosing your configuration through to shipping.
THE Rog CRAFT
Our process.
From the first bend to the last check. The same care at every step.
-
Design
Designed for your vehicle.
Geometry matched to your model, carefully studied bends and precise mounting points. Everything starts with accurate design.
-
Manufacture
Crafted with precision.
Tube bending, part fitting and TIG welding: every joint receives the same care.
-
Finishing
Material, elevated.
The finish reveals the character of the metal. Stainless steel or titanium, depending on the options available for your vehicle.
-
Assembly
Every part in its place.
Components are assembled and adjusted. On valved systems, the mechanism is fitted, set up and tested.
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Inspection
Check. Then approve.
Geometry, welds, connections and gas flow: the key points are inspected before shipping.
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Shipping
Ready to join you.
Reinforced packaging protects your exhaust in transit. The final step before giving your vehicle a new voice.
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