The introduction of the 2nd generation Audi R8 V10 arrived in 2017.
It marked a new era for Audi’s halo car, replacing the much-loved original first generation Audi R8 that has been around since 2008. The task of creating a new R8 was daunting for Audi, given the outstanding success of the first generation.
Many of its features are shared with the Lamborghini Huracan, these feature the 5.2L V10 engine, AWD system, and carbon-and-aluminum structure.
Although the 2nd generation R8 has a more angular and aggressive design, it has departed from the original R8's iconic side blade. But make no mistake... the shape and silhouette are still unmistakable as an R8.
The interior of the R8 was also re-designed to prioritize new technologies, comfort, and performance.
With its advanced technology and ergonomic design, the new R8 has become a supercar that is not only usable for high-performance track experiences, but also for everyday driving.
Slotting it between the McLaren 570s, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, Acura NSX, and Porsche 911 Turbo, the R8 has cemented its place as one of the most formidable sports cars in its class.
Like the original, it remains intensely close to the Italian car. The Huracán is aggressive and sharp, while the R8 is graceful and sophisticated.
One standout feature that sets the R8 apart from its competitors is its screaming V10 engine, which produces a sound that is unmatched in comparison.
The R8 driving experience provides an even more dynamic than the original it replaced. Most notably the improved Quattro AWD system and increased horsepower.
It no longer comes in manual transmission and doesn’t utilize the sluggish R-Tronic transmission (phased out in 2014), which was something enthusiasts avoided and has now been upgraded to feature a fantastic 7-speed dual clutch transmission that delivers seamless shifting.
Press the red button on the steering wheel, and you’ll instantly be greeted with the roar of the V10 engine.
Also new for the R8 is Audi Drive Select. Pressing the Drive Select button on the steering wheel offers the driver several driving modes:
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Comfort: Results in a comfort-oriented setting with automatic shifting and a smoother ride and driving dynamics.
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Auto: Provides an overall comfortable yet dynamic driving feels that adapts to your driving habits.
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Dynamic: Gives the driver a sporty driving feel and is suited to a sporty driving style.
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Individual: Allows drivers to select the custom settings they want.
The available driving modes in the R8 modify the behavior of the drivetrain for a more tailored driving experience.
In Dynamic mode, the transmission switches into S, rev matching is enabled, and the gears are held longer into the red line, while the bias of the Quattro system is also adjusted.
The Performance button, on the other hand, allows drivers to adjust the level of traction control based on their preferences.
Additionally, a rotary knob is provided around the Performance button to select the dry, wet, and snow traction programs for even more control in different driving conditions.
While the original R8 has rightfully earned its place in automotive history, the 2nd generation is no slouch.
Driving an R8 is sure to turn heads and an experience itself, as there are fewer and fewer cars on the road these days with a V10 engine.
Model Changes (Breakdown by Year)
The 2017 model is the first full year of production for the 2nd generation R8, which replaced the original R8 from 2008 to 2015.
The base price for the R8 V10 was ($165,000), R8 V10 Plus was ($192,000) and R8 V10 Spyder was ($177,000).
Featuring a 5.2L V10 engine that is shared with the Lamborghini Huracan. There were 2 versions:
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R8 V10: 502hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque
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R8 V10 Plus: 602hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque
Other differences between the two include:
R8 V10
- Matte Anthracite Gray grille
- Body-color side mirrors
- Mythos Black or Ice Silver side blades
- Matte Anthracite Black front lip spoiler and rear diffuser
- Glossy Anthracite Black front air intakes
- Adaptive integrated rear spoiler
- 19-in. 5-double-spoke Silver wheels
- Twin-trapezoidal exhaust outlets
R8 V10 Plus
- Glossy Anthracite Gray grille
- Carbon fiber side mirrors
- Carbon fiber side blades
- Carbon fiber front lip spoiler and rear diffuser
- Glossy Anthracite Black front air intakes
- Rear air outlets
- Carbon fiber fixed rear spoiler
- 19″ 5-double-spoke design forged wheels, titanium finish
- 15.0″ (380mm) front Ceramic disc brakes with 6-piston calipers
- 14.0″ (356mm) rear Ceramic disc brakes with 4-piston calipers
- 73 liter fuel tank (-10 liters)
- Audi sound system (5 speakers, 140 watts)
- Carbon fiber matte door sills, illuminated
- Power seat height adjustment only, manual longitudinal adjustment
- Racing shell seats in Fine Nappa leather (no backrest angle adjustment or storage nets)
- Sport exhaust system with black exhaust tips
- Sport steering wheel with 4 satellite buttons
- Sport suspension, fixed (replaces magnetic ride)
At the same time, the R8 V10 Plus Spyder was also released. Mechanically, it is the same as the coupe version, the main difference is an open-top roof to experience the full symphony of the V10 engine.
R8 V10 RWS (rear-wheel drive) was introduced in 2018 as a rear-wheel drive version and offered as a limited edition with only 999 produced.
Compared to the standard R8 with all-wheel drive, the RWS version has a more rear-biased weight distribution, which gives it a more playful and dynamic handling character.
The V10 engine in the RWS produces 540 horsepower (62hp less than the R8 V10 Plus) and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Although it was an option, the most noticeable giveaway was the off centered red stripe.
Other notable changes for the 2018 R8 V10:
- Apple CarPlay now standard.
- A newly available Black optic package includes 20-inch, 10-spoke Y design forged wheels in a high gloss Anthracite with summer tires, gloss black exhaust tips, Mythos black side blades (V10 models only) and a Black optic exterior trim.
- Standard Anthracite high-gloss inlays on V10 models (formerly Anthracite matte)
- Standard Carbon sigma high-gloss inlays on the V10 Plus (formerly matte)
- Standard 19-inch 5-double-spoke design forged wheels with silver finish (V10 models)
- Audi sport badge on front grille replaces quattro badge on all R8 models
- Audi Sport puddle light logo (with driver or passenger door opened).
- Full LED headlights with Audi laser light are available on V10 models and are standard equipment on the V10 plus.
Base prices for 2018 were as followed: 2018 R8 V10 Coupe ($164,900), 2018 R8 V10 Spyder ($177,100), 2018 R8 V10 plus Coupe ($194,400).
No Audi R8s were sold for the model year 2019.
That is because the R8 was not produced in 2019 in anticipation of the mid-life cycle update that came in 2020.
In 2020 the new facelifted R8 V10 coupe and spyder was released.
The R8's top trim changes its name from V10 Plus to V10 Performance. These changes include new exterior and interior colors, styling tweaks, and a power upgrade (the standard R8 V10 Coupe achieves 562 horsepower – 30 horsepower more than the previous model).
The standard 2020 R8 coupe costs $172,000 ($7,000 more than the 2018 model), R8 V10 Performance costs $198,000 ($6,000 more than the 2018 model), R8 V10 Spyder costs $184,000 ($7,000 more than the 2018 model), and V10 Performance spyder costs $210,650.
Every R8 can now hit 200 mph (starting with the spyder, followed by the coupe at 201, the Performance spyder at 204, and the Performance coupe at 205 mph).
The Audi R8 Decennium was also released as a limited edition, with only 1 of 222 units worldwide (50 allocated to the USA). It came with exclusively in Mythos Black metallic with dark accents, matte-bronze wheels, and commemorative badging.
Meanwhile the one-year-only RWS, formerly the least costly entry into the R8 fold, is not offered in 2020.
Other notable changes for the 2020 R8 V10:
- Ascari Blue is a new color limited to Performance models.
- Metallic Kemora Gray is a new color for all R8 models.
- New option: Performance models offer the option to black out all the Audi badges and paint the brake calipers red.
- New option: Two new types of leather available in Pastel Silver and Palomino Brown, plus a wireless phone charger.
Everything remained the same for 2021, except Audi has replaced its base offerings from last year with a new setup for 2021.
The entry-level versions of the R8 V10 coupe and Spyder now come standard with rear-wheel drive and produce 532hp.
Audi has also discontinued the entry-level R8 models that do not feature the Performance package.
This implies that if you desire an R8 equipped with Quattro AWD, you'll need to invest in the R8 V10 Performance model.
Not much has changed since the 2021 R8, but the base R8 V10 model gets a power bump up to 562hp (a 30hp increase from last year's model) is called the R8 V10 Performance Coupe RWD.
In addition to the power bump, these options were available for the V10 Performance Coupe RWD:
- Sports Exhaust package that adds race-inspired sound to the R8.
- Dynamic Package that includes ceramic brakes, unique 20-inch wheels, and upgraded racing seats with nappa leather upholstery.
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