The Audi R8 has had two generations, the Type 42 and then the 4S. From one generation to the next, the steering wheel changes in design, controls and equipment. For a custom steering wheel, the generation therefore decides which steering wheel family to choose. Here is how to recognise it.
Which R8 generations are covered?
| Generation | Period | Steering wheel family | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| R8 Type 42 | 2006 to 2015 | R8, TT RS, RS3 and more | 529 € |
| R8 4S | from 2015 | TT, TTS, TT RS and R8 (2014+) | 529 € |
The prices shown are starting prices, before the options chosen in the configurator. Each family covers several Audi models: the Type 42 shares its family with the TT 8J, the A3 8P, the RS4 B7 and the RS6 C6, and the 4S with the TT 8S. The compatibility guide by brand and generation explains how these families work.
How do you know if your R8 is a Type 42 or a 4S?
The year 2015 can belong to either generation. To settle it, rely on:
- the generation code, shown in the vehicle documents or found from the VIN;
- the cockpit: the 4S gets a fully digital instrument display, in place of the analogue gauges of the Type 42;
- the current steering wheel: on the 4S it carries extra buttons on either side of the hub, including the engine start button. A photo from the front is often enough to recognise the family.
To find the code, the article on where to find your car's generation code lists the places to look.
Which steering wheel for an R8 Type 42?
To build a steering wheel for an R8 Type 42, use the custom steering wheel Audi R8, TT RS and RS3 8J page, from 529 €. The steering wheel is made to order for your vehicle, in the material of your choice: Alcantara, smooth or perforated nappa leather, woven or forged carbon.
You keep your original airbag, which is refitted to the new steering wheel. Your original buttons are transferred, or you receive new OEM buttons with your order.
Which steering wheel for an R8 4S?
To build a steering wheel for an R8 4S, use the page it shares with the TT 8S, from 529 €:
Custom Steering Wheel Audi TT, TTS, TTRS and R8 (2014+)
529,00 €
On the 4S, these extra buttons are part of the steering wheel. In the configurator, you can choose to receive them new, or to receive the complete steering wheel with the buttons already fitted. The article original buttons or new OEM buttons helps you choose between transferring and receiving new ones.
The TT 8S shares this steering wheel family with the R8 4S. The article on the Audi TT 8J or 8S follows the same logic for the TT.
What information should you send before production?
- the exact model: R8 coupé or Spyder;
- the generation, Type 42 or 4S, and the model year;
- a photo of the current steering wheel from the front;
- a photo of the controls, the extra buttons and the paddles.
With this information, Apex Studio checks compatibility by hand before starting production. To see every Audi family, browse the Audi steering wheel collection.
