Audi R8 Review 2024

Audi R8 At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
As a daily driver at urban speeds, the R8 is the best in the business and this means it’s one of the best high performance cars for daily driving.

+Astonishingly quick yet easy to use as a daily driver. Comfortable and refined cabin. One of the few remaining V10 supercars.

-Expensive to buy and maintain. Not much room for luggage. Your neighbours will soon grow weary of V10 themed wake-up calls...

New prices start from £141,295
Insurance Groups are between 16–50
On average it achieves 72% of the official MPG figure

At home on track or the supermarket run, the Audi R8 gentrifies the supercar experience by adding welcome helpings of everyday comfort and usability. The naturally aspirated V10 is the highlight of the show though, with its intoxicating vocals and high-revving nature providing a wonderful throwback to the heavyweight supercars of the 1990s. 

Motoring clichés are easy to come by, but every now and again a car comes along that’s so brilliant that it qualifies for every stock phrase you can find. The Audi R8’s one of those cars: it’s revolutionary, a game changer and it really does handle like it is on rails.

On the open road the R8 is scintillating, with outstanding acceleration and a wonderful soundtrack that builds with the revs. The V10 is theatrical, flamboyant and high-revving. It starts up with a chorus of crackles and pops plus it thunders along at sub-30mph with surprising grace

The steering is light and responsive while the large mirrors provide excellent all-round vision. The pedal action is also refined, which means you can apply small amounts of brake or throttle in traffic, without the usual supercar jarring. 

The seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox works well with the V10, holding the gears in the corners and providing rapid changes as you push it on the straights. The R8 is fitted with a set of driving modes that let you tailor the handling and exhaust note, but there's plenty of fun to be had in even the most sedate settings.  

While the steering impresses, it still lacks the precision of the Porsche 911 or McLaren 570S, which feel sharper. However, the R8 rides extremely well and will easily cope with the roughest of surfaces.

It might not be at the forefront of the supercar pack, but the Audi R8 is a universal starting point for those looking to enter the world of high performance exotica. Noisy, good looking and powered by one of the best engines in the business, the R8 is one of our favourite high performance all-rounders. 

 

Audi R8 handling and engines

Driving Rating
Like all high performance track cars, the chassis is light, stiff and designed for speed.

Audi R8 2024: Handling and ride quality

The Audi R8 is scintillating to drive. The V10 is smooth and predictable with its power delivery, while the four-wheel drive system is rear-biased and gives the R8 the feel of a monstrous American muscle car.. 

The pedals and steering are nicely weighted and this means you get a good feel for the road surface and grip. 

Some might find the power steering to be slightly overweighted, which means the McLaren 570S and Porsche 911 are better for drivers who regularly take their supercars to the edge of the handling envelope, but the R8 is still one of the most accomplished supercars and only the supercar veterans will be able to pick holes in its technical ability. 

The R8 shines as a daily driver. It’s easy to use and wonderfully composed at urban speeds. This means you can happily pootle around town, without any nasty jolts from the throttle or heavy bounces from the suspension. You also get a comprehensive array of parking sensors, which means the R8 is easy to park at your local supermarket. 

In our option it’s worth finding a model with the optional adaptive damper system fitted. In ‘comfort’ mode, we think R8 matches the smaller TT for comfort over rough roads and potholes.

As part of the mid-life 2019 update, the R8 received some subtle but important updates that make the handling sharper and more responsive. The key advancement is the introduction of dynamic steering, which lets you adjust the steering ratio (via a dial on the wheel) to make it firmer and more responsive. 

Audi R8 2024: Engines

There isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to engines. The Audi R8 is limited to a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre petrol V10. This isn’t a problem, however, because this V10 is quite simply one of the greatest engines ever built. 

The V10 shares 50 per cent of its components with the legendary R8 LMS GT3 race car. This means you get a genuine hand-built legend. And it shows in the numbers, with top-spec models capable of reaching 205mph. 

At launch, the V10’’s output was split between 540PS and 610PS. The 0-62mph sprint takes 3.5 seconds (3.2 for the V10 Plus) and peak power is delivered at 8100rpm, which means the V10 has a high revving nature. 

In 2019, the V10 received a power upgrade as part of its mid-life update. The entry-model was uprated by 30PS ( to 570PS) while the V10 Plus model was rebranded ‘V10 Performance’ and received an extra 10PS, taking its total output to 620PS. 

Power is fed to the quattro all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox - there’s no manual gearbox option. The driver can manually select the gears via steering wheel mounted paddles. 

A rear-wheel drive version of the R8 was added as a special edition model in late-2018 and became a permanent part of the model line-up in mid-2019. The R8 RWD uses the same engine and gearbox as the coupe, but uses a limited slip differential on the rear axle to maximise rear-wheel drive traction. 

Audi R8 2024: Safety

The R8’s bodyshell is constructed from a combination of aluminum and carbon fibre, which makes it lightweight and extremely strong. Audi has never submitted the R8 for Euro NCAP testing, but all models get driver, passenger and side impact airbags, along with a seatbelt pretensioner system that’s designed to mitigate whiplash type injuries.

Then R8 gets the usual mixture of high performance ABS and electronic stability control systems, which will tame the 5.2-litre V10 engine when roads are challenging in wet or wintery weather conditions.

However, while top spec cars gets a comprehensive array parking aids and cameras, there is no blind spot monitoring system. Autonomous emergency braking isn’t offered, either. 

All versions get a set of  ISOFIX anchor points for the passenger seat, which means you can fit a child seat. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated, which lets you carry a child seat facing backwards. 

There is no spare wheel of any kind in the R8, but a tyre repair kit is available if you do suffer a puncture. A first aid kit can also be supplied with the car, as an options extra. 

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
V10 5.2 FSI 540 quattro S tronic 22–25 mpg 3.5 s 272–275 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 540 quattro S tronic Spyder 22 mpg 3.6 s 277 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 540 RWD S tronic - 3.7 s 293 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 540 RWS S tronic 23 mpg 3.7 s 283 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 540 RWS S tronic Spyder 22 mpg 3.8 s 286 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 570 quattro S tronic 22 mpg 3.4 s 298 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 570 quattro S tronic Spyder 21–22 mpg 3.2–3.5 s 298 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 570 RWD S tronic - 3.7 s 287–292 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 570 RWD S tronic Spyder - 3.8 s 307–312 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 570 RWD Spyder - 3.8 s 298 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 610 quattro S tronic 21–23 mpg 3.2 s 287–289 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 620 quattro S tronic 21–22 mpg 3.1–3.7 s 297–340 g/km
V10 5.2 FSI 620 quattro S tronic Spyder 21–23 mpg 3.2–3.3 s 292–319 g/km

Real MPG average for the Audi R8

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

72%

Real MPG

17–17 mpg

MPGs submitted

2

Audi R8 interior

Interior Rating
Audi has poured all of its everyday car knowhow into the R8.
Dimensions
Length 4426–4435 mm
Width 2029–2037 mm
Height 1236–1252 mm
Wheelbase 2468–2650 mm

Full specifications

Audi R8 2024: Practicality

Supercars seldom win awards for practicality and the Audi R8 is no exception. The 112-litre boot is large enough for a couple of cabin bags, but little else. 

There’s some storage space and a shelf behind the seats in the cabin, which means you can squeeze a soft overnight bag into the interior. But the R8 isn’t a car that’ll cater for those who require lots of luggage. 

There is space for a couple of cups in the centre storage box. There is also a pocket at the lower part of each door, tbut the space is small and only suitable for loose change or loose scraps of paper.

Audi has poured all of its everyday car knowhow into the R8. This means the dashboard is easy to read and you don’t require a degree in race car engineering to start the engine or enter a postcode into the navigation.  

The driving position is excellent, with everything within easy reach. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and the centre console has an armrest, which makes it easy to get comfortable and reach the gear lever. 

The high-spec models get the best seats for comfort, with electronic height adjustment and lots of padding for the lower back and upper leg areas. The basic seats are not bad, but some areas are quite firm and tall passengers might find them uncomfortable over a long journey. 

Despite its low slung appearance, there is plenty of head and shoulder space for large adults to get comfortable. The shelf behind the seats has 226 litres and this should be sufficient to store a squishable overnight bag and a couple of jackets.  

The doors are long and require a wide area to sweep open. This means it can be very difficult to get in and out of the R8 with any form of grace. There are a pair of cupholders, but the door pockets are tiny and will struggle to hold anything of use.

Audi R8 2024: Quality and finish

The quality of the cabin is one of the best in the supercar segment. The fit and finish is excellent and on par with anything else in Audi’s line-up. 

The low roof line and wrap-around dashboard cocoons the driver and passenger, but never feels claustrophobic. The dashboard is covered with a sea of soft-touch leathers and plastics, while the door pillars are covered in a high quality suede cloth. 

The steering wheel is a particular highlight on post-2019 models, with a large starter button on the lower part of the flat bottomed wheel. The outer edge of the steering wheel and gear lever is covered in a grippy microfiber suede material that adds to the race car feel.

Audi R8 2024: Infotainment

The Audi R8 has one of the best infotainment systems of any supercar. All versions get a sophisticated navigation system as standard, along with DAB audio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. 

Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ replaces the traditional instrument binnacle with a 12.3-inch display with pin sharp graphics. This let’s you toggle between different display modes and also adjust the digital instrument cluster to suit your driving mood.

At launch, the virtual cockpit system was only fitted as standard to V10 Plus models. However, as part of the mid-life update in 2019, it was added to all models as standard. We wouldn’t buy an R8 without it. 

Most of the infotainment controls are operated via buttons and wheels on the steering wheel. There is also a rotary dial with a finger pad in the centre console. However, unlike the 911 and 570S, there isn’t a central infotainment screen on the dashboard. 

Audi R8 value for money

Value for Money Rating
The R8 is the fastest and most desirable car in the Audi range.

Audi R8 2024: Prices

Supercars by their nature have a tendency to be super expensive, and the Audi R8 is no exception. A new rear-wheel drive R8 starts at £113,000, while the range-topping V10 Performance quattro will easily set you back £140,000.

Buying used, most adverts for a 12-month old V10 quattro are between £110,000 and £125,000, while two-year old examples start at £84,000.

The oldest examples of the second-generation R8 date from 2015. These start in the region of £57,000 and peak at £80,000, depending on mileage and condition.

Audi R8 2024: Running Costs

The 5.2-litre V10 has a frightening thirst for fuel, which means you’ll be on first name terms with the staff at your local petrol station.

Entry-level models are advertised with 25mpg, while the track-focused V10 Plus and Performance models will officially return up to 22mpg. 

These figures are generally true on the motorway, with cruise control activated, but in reality the R8 will struggle to surpass 20mpg on the open road. Spirited drivers will easily get the mpg down to single figures. 

The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 in the R8 isn’t what you’d describe as an ‘eco friendly’ engine. In fact, with CO2 emissions exceeding 300g/km, the R8 is among the most polluting cars on the road. 

The highest road tax costs are for models registered between 2015 and 2017 - these fall into the old CO2 based VED system,of which the R8 sits in the highest band (M) which means you’ll be looking at £600 for 12 month’s VED. 

Things are slightly better for cars registered after 1 April 2017. These models are taxed against the newer VED system which employs a flat rate for all petrol and diesel cars. This means you’ll be looking at £475 per year.

When the car reaches six years of age the £40,000 premium rate is dropped and this lowers annual VED for the Audi R8 V10 to just £150 per year. So it pays to find a car that qualifies for the newer 2017 VED system. 

All versions sit in Group 50 for car insurance.It pays to use a specialist supercar broker to find the most comprehensive cover, as sometimes the cheapest deals will also have the highest excess costs. Owing to its colossal tailpipe emissions, the R8’s BIK rate is 37% across the range. 

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Audi R8 models and specs

Given its supercar status, it won’t surprise you to hear that all versions of the Audi R8 are well-equipped as standard. 

Luxury features, like LED headlights, 19-inch aluminium wheels, metallic paint and leather seats are fitted as standard. The cabin features leather heated sports seats with electric adjustment (as standard) along with automatic air conditioning and a fully instrument display. 

However, if you want height adjustable seats, you'll need to buy the V10 Plus model, which also adds bucket sport seats and stainless steel pedals. Cruise control is also added, but strangely there is no adaptive cruise control option.

Range-topping models get some notable exterior upgrades, with a carbon fiber front spoiler and a large fixed rear spoiler replacing the hydraulic adjustable system used on the ‘standard’ R8. V10 Plus models also get ceramic brakes, in place of the steel discs used in the entry-level mode. 

The R8 was given a comprehensive update in 2019, with Audi’s virtual cockpit system fitted as standard. The V10 Plus was also rebranded as V10 Performance and given 20-inch wheels and a new multifunction steering wheel with a built-in starter button.

Over the years Audi has launched a number of special editions for the R8, with most getting 20-inch wheels and a multitude of aerodynamic tweaks to sharpen the styling and race track performance. 

The most exclusive edition of the R8 is the 10 Plus Selection 24h, which was commissioned to celebrate the R8 LMS GT3 car’s 300th victory. Just 24 examples were built, with each features an exclusive tricolour paint finish and track-focussed interior. 

Rear-wheel drive models were added to the R8 range in 2019. These can be identified by the larger front grille and rear diffuser. The side blades (the bits of coloured bodywork that sit behind the door and window) are also finished in a glossy mythos black, while the bottom blade is painted in the colour of the vehicle.

Dimensions
Length 4426–4435 mm
Width 2029–2037 mm
Height 1236–1252 mm
Wheelbase 2468–2650 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1555–1770 kg
Boot Space 112 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 9000–18000 miles
Costs
List Price £141,295–£195,913
Insurance Groups 16–50
Road Tax Bands M
Official MPG 21.1–24.5 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI 620 V10 Performance Quattro S tronic 2dr £141,295 21.6 mpg 3.1 s
GT FSi V10 620 S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £195,913 - 3.7 s
Performance Edition Carbon FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £155,160 - 3.7 s
Performance Edition Carbon FSi V10 620 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £171,265 - 3.1 s
Performance Edition FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £146,160 - 3.7 s
Performance Edition FSi V10 620 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £162,265 - 3.1 s
Performance FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £146,160 - 3.7 s
Roadster
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI V10 Pmc/Qtr S tronic 2dr £149,985 21.2 mpg 3.2 s
Performance Edition Carbon FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr - - 3.8 s
Performance Edition Carbon FSi V10 620 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £158,830 - 3.2 s
Performance Edition FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £142,725 - 3.8 s
Performance Edition FSi V10 620 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr £163,280 - 3.2 s
Performance FSi V10 570 RWD S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 2dr - - 3.8 s

On sale until January 2022

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI 540 V10 S tronic RWD 2dr £117,325 - 3.7 s
5.2 FSI 570 V10 Quattro S tronic 2dr £128,295 21.9 mpg 3.4 s
5.2 FSI 620 V10 Performance Quattro S tronic 2dr - 21.6 mpg 3.1 s
5.2 FSI V10 620ps Performance Carbon Black Quattro S tronic 2dr £154,195 21.6 mpg 3.1 s
Roadster
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI 570 V10 Quattro S tronic 2dr £136,985 21.7 mpg 3.5 s
5.2 FSI V10 Performance Carbon Black Quattro S tronic 2dr £162,885 21.2 mpg 3.2 s
5.2 FSI V10 S S tronic RWD 2dr £126,015 - 3.8 s

On sale until June 2019

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI 540 V10 Quattro S tronic 2dr £126,200 22.4 mpg 3.5 s
5.2 FSI 540 V10 S tronic Rws 2dr £112,520 22.8 mpg 3.7 s
5.2 FSI 610 V10 Plus Quattro S tronic 2dr £141,200 21.1 mpg 3.2 s
5.2 FSI Sport Performance Part Quattro S tronic 2dr £176,560 21.1 mpg 3.2 s
5.2 FSI V10 Plus 24 Edition Quattro S tronic 2dr £173,710 23.0 mpg -
Roadster
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI 540 V10 Quattro S tronic 2dr £134,890 22.1 mpg 3.6 s
5.2 FSI 540 V10 S tronic Rws 2dr £121,210 22.4 mpg 3.8 s
5.2 FSI V10 Plus Quattro S tronic 2dr - 23.0 mpg 3.3 s

On sale until April 2017

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 FSI V10 Plus 24 Edition Quattro S tronic 2dr £172,830 23.0 mpg -

On sale until October 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
5.2 V10 540 S tronic 2dr Auto £119,500 24.5 mpg 3.5 s
5.2 V10 Plus 610 S tronic 2dr Auto £137,500 22.7 mpg 3.2 s

Model History

February 2015

Second generation Audi R8 revealed

Available to order in the UK from May 2015 - 540PS V10 priced from £119,500 OTR, 610PS V10 plus from £137,500 OTR - first deliveries in late 2015.

New multimaterial Audi Space Frame with high proportion of aluminium and CFRP makes it 50kg lighter at a dry weight of 1454 kg.

The 5.2-litre FSI engine is available in two versions: with 540PS or 610PS. The 610PS model accelerates to 60mph in 3 seconds and goes on to 205 mph. Maximum torque at 6,500. The ten-cylinder engine is available in two versions. In the R8 V10, it develops 540PS from its 5,204 cc displacement and peak torque of 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. 0 to 60mph takes just 3.3 seconds, with top speed of 200mph. The R8 V10 plus develops 610PS and its maximum torque of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,500 rpm. 0 to 60mph in 3.0 seconds, 0 to 125mph in 10 seconds, and top speed of 205mph. Engine sound now "fuller and sharper." Optional Sports exhaust.

Indirect injection complements the FSI direct petrol injection, to combat carbonb build up on the inlet valves, lower fuel consumption and enhance engine output. The engine also employs COD (cylinder on demand) technology. The system shuts off one of the two cylinder banks by deactivating injection and ignition. The R8 V10 can return up to 23.9mpg with CO 2 emissions of 275 grams per kilometre, for the R8 V10 plus those values are 22.8mpg and 289 grams per kilometre (preliminary data). These figures represent a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the previous model, due in no small part to the new start-stop system.

With both engine versions, power is transmitted to a quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission installed behind the engine. The S tronic has three automatic modes and can also be controlled manually. Shift commands are transmitted electronically (shift-by-wire). The launch control system manages full-throttle acceleration from a standing start.

If the driver removes his foot from the accelerator pedal at speeds above 34mph, both clutches open and the car enters coasting mode. This saves a considerable amount of fuel in everyday use.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system gives the new R8 an advantage in terms of stability and traction when compared with two-wheel-drive competitors. On the front axle, an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch replaces the Visco clutch of the predecessor model. The newly developed quattro drive system enables completely unrestricted and fully variable distribution of the drive torque to the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation and weather. In normal operation, up to 100 percent is transmitted to the rear wheels and, if required, the clutch continuously diverts up to 100 percent of this torque to the front wheels. Thanks to the mechanical differential lock on the rear axle, the driver experiences maximum traction without any slip.

The chassis features double wishbones made from aluminium for all four wheels. The R8 V10 plus has a particularly focused setup – for both engine variants, variable adaptively controlled Audi magnetic ride shock absorbers are available as an option. The newly developed electromechanical power steering system provides close contact with the road surface and makes a further contribution to reducing CO 2 emissions. As an option, Audi offers dynamic steering, whereby the steering ratio varies in accordance with the road speed and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

As standard, the new Audi R8 V10 has 19-inch wheels with size 245/35 tyres at the front and 295/35 at the rear. The steel brake discs have a weight-saving wave design and the calipers can be painted red upon request. In the R8 V10 plus, high-tech discs made from carbon fibre ceramic are responsible for deceleration of the 19-inch wheels.

Also new to the R8 is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which offers the driver a choice of four modes (comfort, auto, dynamic and individual) to control the way in which important technical components operate. As standard, the system takes into account the engine characteristics, steering, S tronic transmission and quattro drive system as well as optional extras such as Audi magnetic ride, the exhaust flaps and dynamic steering. On top of that, there is also a new performance mode (available as an option for the V10 and standard for the V10 plus). The driver activates it by pressing a separate button on the steering wheel. He or she can select between the programs dry, wet and snow using a rotary wheel. These programs support dynamic handling on dry, wet and snow-covered surfaces. In performance mode, Audi drive select also makes use of the ESC stabilisation control function.

All-LED headlights for an extended field of vision and more brightness, with a laser spot for the high beam – complemented by dynamic turn signals with their scrolling function in the intended turn direction at the front. Dynamic turn signals are standard at the rear.

All digital instrument display. The most important controls are grouped together in button clusters on the steering wheel to give race car feel. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard.

All functions are driver-oriented and allow easy operation even when the critical limits are reached – and all without the driver having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel. The newly designed sport seats with integrated headrest provide excellent lateral support. Even more radical seating for a sports car comes in the form of the newly developed R8 bucket seats. These make a clear statement confirming the relationship between lightweight construction and comfort (optional in the V10 and standard in the V10 plus).

The start-stop button and the Audi drive select button are located on satellites on the new multifunction plus steering wheel. The Performance steering wheel in the Audi R8 V10 plus features two more satellites. One button is for performance mode together with a rotary wheel for selecting the dry, wet and snow programs as well as a button for controlling the sports exhaust system.

The Audi virtual cockpit is set in a free-standing housing and presents all the information on its 12.3-inch display with elaborate and pin sharp graphics. The driver can toggle between different display modes and also adjust the digital instrument cluster to suit in individual mode. In performance mode, the driver is presented with information on the driving programs, acceleration, deceleration and lateral forces as well as power and torque. The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which illuminates when the rev limit has been reached. The driver operates the Audi virtual cockpit using the multifunction plus steering wheel. The driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel and he or she can concentrate on the road. Alternatively, operation can take place via the touch wheel or the buttons in the centre console.

This second generation Audi R8 forms the basis for more models: The latest evolutionary version of the electrically-powered high-performance R8 e-tron sports car achieves a performance figure of 462PS and 920 Nm (678.6 lb-ft) of torque. It sprints from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds. Thanks to new battery cells, the range could be more than doubled compared to the first version of this technological wonder – it now exceeds 280 miles.

July 2018

Audi R8 Sport Performance Parts package model launched

Output will be delivered to dramatic effect through motorsport-proven enhancements that significantly increase downforce and further pare back weight to give the 610PS V10 an even freer rein.

Just 44 examples of this pinnacle of R8 performance are being offered worldwide by Audi Sport, of which five will come to the UK in right hand drive form. Each example is priced at £176,560 OTR, and all feature the same exceptional specification that ratchets up exclusivity for this ultimate Audi racing car for the road.

A multitude of add-on components immediately mark out the Audi Sport Performance Parts version, bringing the car’s close genetic links with motorsport into even sharper relief not only visually but also dynamically by further enhancing high speed cornering ability.

An aero kit developed in the wind tunnel and made exclusively from CFRP gives a harder edge to virtually every facet of the car, most notably the rear where a large fixed rear wing and diffuser with red elements dominate, while side skirts incorporating the Audi Sport logo and special aerodynamic elements located behind the rear wheel arches focus airflow. At the front, more pronounced air inlets, a deep splitter and sculpted canards reminiscent of those fitted to the first generation Audi R8 GT finish off the package.

All aerodynamic elements contribute to a significant increase in downforce; at 205mph, the R8 generates 250kg, over 100kg more than the standard R8 V10 plus. At 93mph the effect is more pronounced, with the CFRP aero kit doubling downforce to 52kg.

Fully milled multi-spoke black 20-inch wheels save up to 8kg in weight to significantly reduce unsprung mass. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with a 245/30 profile upfront and 305/30 profile at the rear. A lightweight three-way coilover suspension setup is also fitted for full adjustability on road and track. Ceramic brake discs fitted to the front and rear feature a titanium backing plate to further reduce vehicle weight and work with specially enhanced brake pads for highly effective stopping power and even tougher fade resistance.

Inside, the exclusive Sport contour steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara with a red 12 o’clock marker. Features such as the Audi Smartphone Interface, a rear view camera and the Audi R8 sport exhaust are also added to the appropriately lengthy equipment list which already includes R8 bucket seats in perforated Fine Nappa leather, MMI Navigation, Audi connect online services and the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit.

March 2019

New Audi R8 V10, V10 performance and V10 performance Carbon Black announced

Highlights include more power, torque and performance, taking top speeds in all versions beyond 200mph, complemented by even greater handling precision courtesy of suspension and steering revisions and a striking new Carbon Black specification.

Now available as the 570PS R8 V10 and the 610PS R8 V10 Performance which forms the basis of the Carbon Black model. The V10 Performance has ceramic brakes, Sport plus suspension, a fixed gloss carbon rear spoiler and, inside, matt titanium inlays and R8 bucket seats over and above the extensive 570PS model specification. Carbon Black equipment adds anthracite black 20-inch wheels with red brake calipers, carbon sideblades and styling elements, a black styling pack including black window surrounds and air outlets and a high gloss black finish for the Audi rings and badging. Ride and handling are also further enhanced by Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping.

Audi R8 V10 quattro Coupé: £128,295
Audi R8 V10 quattro Spyder: £136,985
Audi R8 V10 performance quattro Coupé: £141,295
Audi R8 V10 performance quattro Spyder: £149,985
Audi R8 V10 performance quattro Carbon Black Coupé: £154,195

Audi R8 V10 performance quattro Carbon Black Spyder: £162,185

October 2021

Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD priced from £126,885

The new R8 V10 Performance RWD is available as a Coupé or Spyder with 30PS extra and a sporty complement to the R8 V10 performance quattro.

Powered by a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 petrol engine, the R8 V10 Performance will accelerate to 62mph in 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder) with a top speed of 204mph (203mph for the Spyder).

The arrival of the R8 V10 Performance RWD marks a new entry point to the Audi R8 line-up. Standard equipment includes 19-inch twin-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in matt titanium, a gloss black styling pack, R8 sports seats with fine Nappa leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, Audi phone Box with wireless charging and the famous sideblades finished in bodycolour.

Those looking to take the R8 V10 performance to the next level, Edition models, which are offered on both performance RWD and performance quattro versions, bring an extra layer of exclusivity. Additional equipment includes upgraded 20-inch cast aluminium alloy wheels in bronze, fine Nappa leather with diamond contrast stitching, carbon sideblades, black Audi rings and mirrors, a Bang & Olufsen stereo with loudspeakers in head restraints and red brake callipers. Performance quattro Edition models also benefit from upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes.

Further visual impact can also be applied with the addition of the Carbon Pack, which is exclusively available for Edition models. Priced at £9,000, it adds a gloss carbon fibre front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, mirrors and engine cover, while the interior also benefits from carbon fibre door sills, inlays and centre console.

The Audi R8 V10 performance RWD can be ordered from October 21.

R8 V10 Performance coupe prices:

R8 V10 performance RWD £126,885
R8 V10 performance RWD edition £137,885
R8 V10 performance quattro £146,990
R8 V10 performance quattro edition £153,990


R8 V10 Performance spyder prices:

R8 V10 performance RWD £135,575
R8 V10 performance RWD edition £146,575
R8 V10 performance quattro £155,680
R8 V10 performance quattro edition £162,680

What to watch out for

16-06-2019:

Report of "leak on OSF shock absorber" on 26,000 mile 2015 Audi R8 5.2 V10 Spyder. Happily the dealer put in a claim to Audi and Audi paid for its replacement.

What does the Audi R8 cost?