The R8 is one of the most popular supercars around, and the reason lies in the fact that the Ingolstadt company has made a perfectly balanced car. This model is both exclusive enough and affordable enough. It is capable but is old-school, and such a design approach is highly desirable among car enthusiasts.
The Audi R8 is a genuine supercar but also practical and functional enough to attract a broader range of buyers. Its F1-sounding naturally-aspirated V10 is a real jewel in today's world of turbochargers. Also, the first gen’s availability in manual transmission makes it one of the most desirable used supercars on the market.
The First Generation of Audi R8 (2007-2015)
Concept, Development and Production
The first time we saw the R8 badge was in 2003. The company presented a concept of a supercar that was heavily inspired by Audi's legendary Le Mans winning car, which dominated the race during the early 2000s. Thanks to excellent racing records, the concept was accepted extremely well, and the company's management started to work on the production version right away.
After a few years of development, the production model finally debuted in 2006. It came as a genuine mid-engine supercar with lots of advanced design solutions. First, about 80% of the car was made from aluminium. Second, the centre tunnel and a few more chassis parts were made from carbon fibre to increase rigidity without putting additional weight.
Of course, the suspension setup was also very advanced. Both axles were equipped with double wishbones, gas dampers and anti-roll bars.
The initial model came as a typical 2-door coupe. The styling was heavily inspired by the 2003 concept, while some styling elements from the Audi TT sports car were also implemented. The convertible debuted a little bit later, with the 2010 model year.
The Convertible Audi R8 Spyder debuted in 2010. The initial version was offered with a V10 engine only, while the V8 model debuted a year later.
Audi R8 Engines, Specs and Performance
The Australian model debuted in 2007, with a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine, the same one that powered the RS 4 at the time. The max output was rated at 309 kW and 430 Nm of max torque. Both of the initial transmission options were pretty old-school, and you had a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed single-clutch automatic.
The V8 offered quite decent performances, including a 0-100 time in about 4.5 seconds. However, it was obvious that this supercar deserved something more special.
So, it was time for a 5.2-litre V10, borrowed directly from the Lamborghini Gallardo. This engine was good for about 391 kW and 530 Nm of max torque. The new engine provided better acceleration, higher top speed and, most importantly, a much better sound.
Unlike the V8, it was offered with automatic transmission only. Also, the V10 Audi R8 was the world’s first car to feature full LED headlights.
Audi R8 V8 Specs
- Engine Capacity: 4163cc
- Number of cylinders: V8
- Maximum torque: 430Nm
- Maximum power: 309kW
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel consumption: 14.2L/100km (combined)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4.6s
- Top Speed: 302 km/h
Audi R8 V10 Specs
- Engine Capacity: 5204cc
- Number of cylinders: V10
- Maximum torque: 530Nm
- Maximum power: 386kW
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel consumption: 13.7 L/100km (combined)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 3.9s
- Top Speed: 316 km/h
Audi R8 GT
In 2011, Audi introduced a special, high-performance version of the car. This model came with various upgrades, but the most important one is the engine. The 5.2-litre V10 has been tuned up to 412 kW and 540 Nm of the max torque. Such a power increase improved 0-100 km/hr time to 3.6 seconds, while the top speed was increased to 320 km/h.
Besides improved performances, the Audi R8 GT is also characterised by lots of unique styling details, such as exclusive "GT" badges, red brake callipers, upgraded front bumper, and fixed rear wing, to name a few.
2013 Facelift
For the 2013 model year, the company introduced a facelifted version. This model came with several notable updates. The biggest one was a new transmission, as the old 6-speed automatic was replaced with a new, fast-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Also, we saw several styling updates, such as a new grille, new bumpers and LED lighting.
This update has also brought a new version called Audi R8 V10 Plus. It featured a slightly more powerful V10 engine and a plethora of exclusive styling details and features.
The Second Generation of Audi R8 (2016-present)
After nine years of production, it was time for changes. So, the second-generation model arrived in 2015 in Europe and a year later in Australia. Compared to the original model, the new one came with significant changes, and it is technologically a far more advanced vehicle.
For example, it shares the platform with Lamborghini Huracan. The two models use most of the mechanics, including the engine and transmission. The V8 was discontinued due to emission issues, so this model came in a V10 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch.
Once again, the R8 came in two body styles, as a coupe and as a convertible. Also, the company introduced a couple of special versions, such as RWS and Neuburg Edition. The first one was a very limited edition of a rear-wheel-drive model (other R8 models are all all-wheel drive), while the latter is characterised by exclusive styling and features.
Engines
As we’ve just mentioned, the second generation of Audi R8 came with a V10 engine only. Of course, we are talking about the same 5.2-litre unit, which received a power upgrade for this occasion. All versions are equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Audi R8 Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 5204cc
- Number of cylinders: V10
- Maximum torque: 540Nm
- Maximum power: 397kW
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel consumption: 11.4 L/100km (combined)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 3.5s
- Top Speed: 319 km/h
Audi R8 V10 Plus Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 5204cc
- Number of cylinders: V10
- Maximum torque: 560Nm
- Maximum power: 449kW
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel consumption: 12.7 L/100km (combined)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 3.2s
- Top Speed: 330 km/h
Facelift (2018)
In October 2018, the company introduced a facelifted version of the R8. The new model came with lots of new styling details, such as a new grille, bumpers, side skirts, and rear diffuser. Also, the engine has been upgraded. The base version now features a max output of 419 kW and 560 Nm, while the V10 Plus has been renamed to R8 Performance Quattro and now puts out 456 kW and 580 Nm of torque. The latter can hit 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.
The facelifted version debuted in Australia as the 2020 Audi R8.
If you’re looking for a new 2021 model, the Audi R8 price currently starts at around $295,000.
If you own an Audi R8, you know very well that the maintenance costs are very high. For example, tyres can get used up pretty fast with all that power on the wheels. Also, rims can be damaged quite easily.
If you’re looking for deals on auto parts (both new and used), please check out our car parts listings. For instance, you may find this set of used genuine 2015 Audi R8 wheels an absolute steal, plus many more on sale in this website.
On the other hand, if you want to advertise your Audi R8 for sale, the best way to get more interested buyers is to do that here after you've registered as a customer.
By Nebojsa Grmusa