Audi R8, The People’s Supercar

The Audi R8 is the halo supercar of the German firm. This is already its second generation, but it maintains that philosophy of a vehicle of great power and ease of use accompanied by large doses of luxury in its interior. Practically an all in one.

Available in two power levels and with Coupé and Cabrio bodies, this two-seater makes intensive use of aluminum, so the weight on the scale is less than what might be thought given the large engine that mounts under the hood, an engine that in this occasion is located in a central position behind the seats.

Design

Aesthetically, the current R8 appears very similar to the first generation, which sat down in the chair. Although the new model discarded curved lines in favor of a more technical and refined design language, with more taut lines, it has not lost its essence and is easily recognizable as an R8. 

The front, now with a wider grille, adds sharper headlights that can be Full LED or laser technology, while the side air intakes have been increased in size. The side has lines more or less the same as its predecessor, although now the contrasting sideblade is divided into two pieces.

For its part, the rear shows greater horizontality, with trapezoidal exhausts  placed very low and limiting the width of the prominent diffuser. In addition, in the case of the R8 Plus, an eye-catching carbon fiber fixed spoiler is added that further sticks the bottom of the car to the ground.

Entering the interior, we are greeted by a driver-oriented Cockpit type dashboard, with all the controls at hand, and a surprising general spaciousness given the type of vehicle it is. Highlights the integration of the start button on the steering wheel and the fully digital dashboard.

Versions

In the mechanical section, the Audi R8 is one of the heavyweights in the segment, with an old-school engine : 5.2 liters, V10 and naturally aspirated. No sign of turbochargers or compressors. This engine is available in two power levels, 540 hp for the basic and 610 hp in the case of the Audi R8 Plus.

Both versions make exclusive use of the 7-speed S-tronic transmission that sends power to all 4 wheels through the Quattro traction system.

Interestingly, for some time now, a limited edition based on the standard R8 V10 has been presented that dispensed with this system, remaining as a pure rear-wheel drive. In the process the R8 has lost weight, 50 kg in the case of the Coupe and 40 kg in the case of the Spyder.

This version – Audi R8  RWS –  has been launched in a limited edition of 999 units and surprisingly has been put on sale with a price significantly lower than the rest of the range, which meant that all units were sold in a short time.

Within the sports segment, the German coupe would be included in the middle zone for its power, rivaling titans such as the McLaren 570S,  Ferrari 488 GTB  and Ford GT  among others.

Prices

Starting from the most affordable, the range of the Audi R8 has a starting price of 165,500 euros which corresponds to the RWS Coupé, a figure that increases to 180,250 euros in the case of the RSW Spyder. We remember, they are all sold.

Now yes, the general public must pay 196 650 and 211 440 euros if you want to access a 540 hp Audi R8 V10 in closed or convertible version. Above these is the V10 Plus version for 220 180 euros.

This rate is that of the V10 Plus Coupé, and it is that Audi has not yet communicated how much the Spyder version of it will cost. At least we have references. Between the Coupé and the Spyder V10 there is a difference of 15,000, which would leave the V10 Plus Spyder with a minimum price of more than 230,000 euros.

Data Audi R8

• 3 doors
• 2 places
• Trunk: 226 liters (Coupé) and 112 liters (Spyder)
• V10 engine with two power levels: 540 hp and 610 hp
• 7-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox
• Rear or all-wheel drive Quattro
• Consumption and emissions: From 12.6 l / 100 km and 287 g / km of CO2
• Price: from 165,500 euros