The Audi R8 is a mid-engine two-door sports car available since the 2007 model year.
Audi R8 Design and Introduction
The R8 is a super high-performance vehicle, heavily based on the design of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán. It is entirely developed and manufactured by Audi Sport GmbH, Audi’s high-performance subsidiary. The R8 is an incredibly labor-intensive project. With a reported 70 workers fitting up to 5,000 parts by hand, the manufacturing facility can push out a maximum 29 cars per day, but usually closer to the 10 to 15 units per day range. The tolerances are verified by laser measurement to ensure top quality craftsmanship. The first appearance of a concept car that would later become the R8 was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, but the official launch occurred at the 2006 Paris Auto Show. It’s not hard to see that the Audi R8 is in a different class than other Audi vehicles. It uses an aluminum monocoque frame, as common in the supercar world, known as the Audi Space Frame as the base platform.
Engine and Performance
The first R8s came with a 4.2L FSI V-8 engine or a larger 5.2L V-10 engine. At first the R8 was only available as a hard-top coupe, but in 2008, a Spyder convertible model was part of the lineup. In 2011, a R8 GT with even higher performance was released, and again in 2012 with a V-10 Plus option pushing the limits. The second and current generation of the Audi R8, known as the Type 4S, was released in 2015 and first unveiled at that year’s Geneva Motor Show. It shares the Huracán’s Modular Sports System platform. Once again, Audi did not shy away from offering the R8 in multiple engine and drivetrain options. It had a 5.2L V-10 and a higher-performance 5.2L V-10 Plus. Almost all Audi R8s come with quattro all-wheel drive standard, but in 2017, a special rear-wheel drive version was offered.
Later Changes
Some significant changes happened in 2018, with a more aggressive exterior look, plus a more angular front end. The power was increased and now sat at 562 horsepower for the original, and 612 horsepower for the V-10 Performance Quattro (the new name for the V-10 Plus). The latest 2022 model is rated at 602 horsepower, 413 lb ft of torque from its naturally-aspirated V-10 engine. The 0 to 60 mph time is 3.1 seconds, just missing the sub-3-second club by a thin margin. But there’s no doubt this car can drive. For a car of this class, the sale figures are quite respectable. Nearly 39,000 units were produced from inception up to 2019, with over 5,500 in 2008 alone. It is available in many markets worldwide and continues to turn heads everywhere it goes.
Looking Forward to the Future
While not a direct replacement, the Audi e-tron GT is likely to become a major challenger to the R8 sales. Although the e-tron GT is a four-door sedan, its sleek design combined with downright incredible performance figures will be stiff in-house competition. Not to mention that the driving experience of the e-tron GT is reportedly top-notch. It seems likely that internal combustion engine enthusiasts will still go for the Audi R8 and its naturally-aspirated V-10 beast of an engine, but anyone who wants to go for a more futuristic design is likely to at least check out the e-tron GT and it’s incredible all-electric performance merged with seriously modern look. Nonetheless, the R8 continues to receive critical acclaim. It is a supercar worth every penny, and one that is full of luxurious touches both inside and out. It is reliable, unlike other supercars coming from companies with much more limited production numbers. Audi has confirmed that the R8’s successor will be fully electric, which could perhaps be the e-tron GT, so when that happens, the R8 internal combustion engine model will likely shoot high in the world of collector’s items. If you are thinking of getting your hands on one for collecting purposes, now is probably the time to pull the trigger. It is still a reasonable deal compared to other in class rivals from McLaren or Porsche, and you get all the drive you would expect from an iconic Audi model.