Quick answer: The Drimatt Android head unit upgrade is designed for the 2007–2015 Audi R8 application shown. The matched configuration supports the factory Bang & Olufsen (B&O) amplifier, includes a dedicated audio interface box, and offers solutions for retaining a supported factory camera or adding an aftermarket camera. Vehicle year, market, transmission, factory audio, GPS, and camera equipment should be confirmed before ordering.
An Android head unit can update the multimedia experience in a 2007–2015 Audi R8 while retaining applicable original vehicle functions. This is a vehicle-specific upgrade rather than a universal radio replacement, so the correct product and installation accessories must match the individual car.
For many Audi R8 owners, the main reason to upgrade is that the original stock radio was designed for an earlier generation of mobile technology. The Drimatt head unit adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones, bringing familiar navigation, music, calls, messages, and voice assistance to a modern in-dash display.
Why consider the Drimatt Audi R8 kit?
- Supports the factory Bang & Olufsen (B&O) amplifier in the matched configuration
- Includes a dedicated audio interface box to optimize sound output
- Adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones
- Supports applicable original controls and vehicle information through the matched CANBUS system
- Offers options for retaining a supported factory camera or adding an aftermarket camera
- Includes product-specific installation instructions for verified customers
View Audi R8 Android head unit options and confirm compatibility →
Is This Upgrade Designed for the Audi R8 2007–2015?
The product and installation system covered here are designed for the Audi R8 2007–2015 application shown in the Drimatt product documentation. Compatibility should still be confirmed for the individual vehicle because equipment can vary between model years, sales regions, transmissions, and factory option packages.
Before ordering, prepare the following information:
- Vehicle model year and sales country
- Automatic or manual transmission
- Factory audio and amplifier configuration
- Whether the vehicle has an original reverse camera
- Whether the original GPS antenna will be retained
- Clear photos of the original dashboard and, when requested, the factory connectors
These details help Drimatt determine which harnesses, adapters, and camera-integration method belong with the order.
Check Audi R8 product options →
Why Upgrade the Original Audi R8 Stock Radio?
The Audi R8 still feels special to drive, but its factory infotainment can make everyday navigation, music streaming, and phone use feel unnecessarily old. A vehicle-specific head unit upgrade refreshes the multimedia experience while retaining applicable original functions.
With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a compatible phone can connect without plugging in a cable for every drive. Drivers can use familiar apps and voice assistance through the new display while the supplied configuration remains matched to the vehicle’s year, transmission, audio system, GPS, and camera equipment.
Explore the Audi R8 wireless CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade →
What Does the Audi R8 Installation Involve?
At a high level, the installation includes five stages:
- Confirm the vehicle and supplied kit are the correct configuration.
- Protect the interior and remove the original radio with the appropriate release tools.
- Connect the matched power, audio, CANBUS, radio, and GPS interfaces supplied for the vehicle.
- Select the correct factory-camera or aftermarket-camera integration method.
- Test every supported function before final cable placement and reassembly.
This public overview helps owners understand the scope of the work. Connector diagrams, pin assignments, and configuration-specific camera wiring are supplied in the matching product manual or through verified Drimatt support.
Which Vehicle Systems Need to Be Checked?
| System | What must be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Power and CANBUS | The vehicle-specific main harness and decoder must match the supplied head unit. |
| Factory audio and B&O amplifier | The factory B&O system is supported with the matched dedicated audio interface box. Other amplifier systems require confirmation. |
| FM/AM radio | The correct antenna adapter is required to reuse the original radio antenna. |
| GPS | The installation may reuse the original GPS antenna or use a supplied external antenna. |
| Reverse camera | The method depends on whether the camera is factory-installed or aftermarket. |
| Transmission | Automatic and manual vehicles use different aftermarket-camera trigger methods. |
| Optional equipment | DAB, 4G, external microphone, USB, and other accessories depend on the ordered configuration. |
Do not assume that another Audi model, another model year, or a visually similar connector uses the same wiring.
Does It Support the Factory B&O or B&W Amplifier?
Yes—the confirmed compatibility is for the factory Bang & Olufsen (B&O) amplifier system. The matched Drimatt Audi R8 kit includes a dedicated audio interface box that matches the new head unit to the original amplifier system and optimizes the audio output, helping deliver a noticeable improvement in overall sound quality.
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) and Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) are different audio brands. If a vehicle is described as having B&W, or it has a non-factory amplifier, send a photo of the amplifier label and the vehicle audio configuration to Drimatt before ordering.
View the Audi R8 kit with factory B&O support →
Can Original Audi R8 Functions Be Retained?
With the correct vehicle-specific kit, the installation is designed to support applicable original functions such as steering-wheel controls and supported vehicle information. The system can also integrate FM/AM, GPS, USB devices, Bluetooth calling, and a compatible reverse camera.
The exact retained functions depend on the vehicle and the ordered product configuration. Confirm them before purchase rather than relying on another customer’s installation.
Can the Factory Reverse Camera Be Retained?
The original Audi R8 reverse camera can be retained in the supported configuration by using the matching Drimatt camera adapter and the vehicle’s factory camera module.
This is not the same as connecting a universal RCA camera at the dashboard. The complete adapter location and connection path are shown only in the matched installation manual, reducing the risk of using an incorrect method from another vehicle or head-unit kit.
Are Automatic and Manual Camera Installations the Same?
No. The aftermarket-camera installation differs by transmission type:
- Automatic transmission: the compatible configuration receives the reverse state through the vehicle communication system.
- Manual transmission: the installer must verify the vehicle’s reverse-lamp circuit and use the manual-transmission procedure supplied with the kit.
The two methods are not interchangeable. For safety and accuracy, do not copy a camera wiring method from a different transmission or identify a vehicle circuit by wire color alone.
Why Use a Vehicle-Specific Harness and CANBUS Decoder?
A vehicle-specific installation kit reduces the need to modify the factory wiring and provides the correct interfaces for power, audio conversion, vehicle communication, radio, GPS, and camera integration.
The CANBUS decoder is part of the communication path for applicable original controls and vehicle information. It must be paired with the correct harness and product configuration. A connector that appears to fit is not proof that its wiring or function is compatible.
Should This Audi R8 Upgrade Be Professionally Installed?
Professional installation is recommended. The work involves valuable interior trim, locked vehicle connectors, audio-conversion hardware, CANBUS communication, and configuration-specific reverse-camera integration.
An experienced installer should protect the dashboard, release connectors without damaging the wiring, route modules so they cannot rattle or become pinched, verify the camera method for the vehicle’s transmission, and test the complete system before final reassembly.
If the vehicle configuration does not match the supplied manual, stop and request support rather than improvising a connection.
What Should Be Tested Before Reassembly?
Before the head unit is secured in the dashboard, test:
- Normal startup and shutdown
- Touchscreen and front controls
- Audio output and volume
- FM/AM reception
- GPS location
- Bluetooth calling
- USB connections
- Applicable steering-wheel controls
- Supported vehicle information
- Reverse-camera image and automatic display switching
Final reassembly should begin only after the installed configuration passes the complete function test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audi R8 Android head unit support B&O or B&W amplifiers?
The matched kit supports the factory B&O amplifier and includes a dedicated audio interface box to retain the original amplifier system and optimize sound output. B&W is a different system and must be checked separately.
Does this Audi R8 upgrade include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The Drimatt Audi R8 Android head unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones, providing easier access to navigation, music, calls, messages, and voice assistance.
Is this a universal Android radio installation?
No. It is a vehicle-specific installation for the Audi R8 application shown. The head unit, harnesses, CANBUS decoder, audio interface, antennas, and camera method must match the individual vehicle.
Can I use instructions from another Audi R8 head unit?
Not safely. Different products can use similar-looking connectors with different functions or pin assignments. Use only the manual supplied for the matching Drimatt product and order configuration.
Can the original GPS antenna be reused?
The supported configuration can reuse the original GPS antenna with the matching adapter. An external GPS antenna may also be used when appropriate.
Can I retain the factory reverse camera?
Yes, when the vehicle and ordered kit support the factory-camera adapter. Confirm this before ordering.
Does the aftermarket camera method depend on the transmission?
Yes. Automatic and manual vehicles use different reverse-trigger methods. Follow the transmission-specific manual supplied with the product.
Where can I get the complete wiring instructions?
The full installation manual, connector diagrams, and configuration-specific camera instructions are supplied with the matching Drimatt kit or provided by verified customer support.
What information should I send to support?
Send the order number, vehicle model year, sales region, transmission type, original audio and camera equipment, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the relevant installation area.
View the Correct Audi R8 Upgrade
Before ordering, confirm the vehicle year, transmission, factory audio equipment, GPS, and reverse-camera configuration. This allows the product and installation accessories to be matched to the specific Audi R8.
View Audi R8 product options and confirm compatibility →
Need help before ordering?
- WhatsApp: +86 190 2096 1558
- Email: support@drimatt.store
Audi and R8 are trademarks of their respective owner and are used only to identify vehicle compatibility. This product is not manufactured, sponsored, or endorsed by Audi.
