Brake failure...lucky to be alive

[homewood]

Just got back home after a harrowing experience earlier today. My wife and I set out for a weekend drive to the North Carolina mountains in the R8 Spyder. The car has about 2600 miles on it and had no previous problems other than bringing in for the recall to reposition the fuel line. We were about 50 miles west of Charlotte on a 2 lane interstate going downhill when we lost the brakes. Pushed brake to the floor repeatedly but there was nothing there. Car is now picking up speed and I am swerving to avoid the slower traffic up ahead. Miraculously, I was able to squeeze between a pickup truck and several other cars and swerved off the right side of the road but now was being funneled down a grass side embankment with guard rail on my left and woods on the right taking out a bunch of tree branches as we barreled along. Traveled about 300 yards before I thought to pull the emergency brake just as we were approaching a 30 foot cliff that dropped off into a creek. The car came to a stop after hitting a wooden sign and a concrete lip. But for the grace of god, neither my wife nor I suffered any injuries. See gory pictures attached.

Car was towed back to dealership where they are now looking it over. Left front wheel tie rod is broke, front undercarriage is trashed, transmission fluid was leaking. Still able to open trunk. Right side mirror took a good hit. In retrospect, earlier this morning before we reached the highway, I had stopped to drop off a package and smelled something like burning rubber but I thought (wrongly) it might have been someone burning leaves. Has anybody heard of problems with brake failure on the R8? Does anyone have advice regarding potential issues of product liability?

[AJR8]

What an awful situation! WTF??!?!?! Sorry to hear that!

I have mayor brakes problems (rotors warping often!), I know R8s and Gallardos (a friend is a Lambo tester!) are having big problems with overheated rotors when pushed hard...but I have never heard of brake failure.

[harrison]

You are a very lucky couple. What an adrenaline rush-- that lasted far longer than normal !! How will Audi handle this fiasco?

[homewood]

I know R8s and Gallardos (a friend is a Lambo tester!) are having big problems with overheated rotors when pushed hard

Have not done any hard braking, tracking the car etc as still easing it in. On the road where the accident occurred, I was following the posted speed limits of 45 MPH and 55 MPH.

How will Audi handle this fiasco?

Don't know yet. Their R8 service technician is looking at car and they are to get back to me on Monday.

What an adrenaline rush

Definitely, not the first thing that went through my mind when the brake pedal is mashed to the floor and there is nothing there. But yes, we are extremely fortunate. One of the rescue crews that responded said " there was a third person sitting in the car with you this morning".

[DrDavid121]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, thank the good lord above everyone is alright. Will be interested in the findings and what Audi is will to do to make things right ? David, I think they ought to give you one of those GT's. I don't think I'll share this with my wife.........

[harrison]

So the E-brake saved you guys from serious injuries, or even worse...Yeah, you had a third party there for assistance. Brake fade-YES. Total failure NO. Man , that is just too crazy.

[wavering]

Traveled about 300 yards before I thought to pull the emergency brake just as we were approaching a 30 foot cliff that dropped off into a creek.

Scarey! But what is the "emergency brake"? Is that what we in the UK call the handbrake? ie the big lever just behind the gear stick? Or is there some cunning device hidden somewhere?

[harrison]

Your hand brake is it. Parking brake that should be used in an emergency !!

[the_buch]

Phew! Sounds like you made a withdrawal from the karma bank. Glad you're still with us, and good luck sorting things out and putting this behind you. Fortunately this is a rare story.

[ardy6931]

Important thing is no one was hurt.....now to give audi some hell for putting your lives in danger