Background
Models like the Audi R8 don't come about very often. By that we mean sports cars that redefine what you think a vehicle manufacturer is capable of. In living memory, Audi has probably had two: the original all-wheel drive Quattro and the R8. I guess a case could be made for the excellent V8-engined RS4, but it didn't break the mould in any particular regard. It's hard to believe that the R8 was launched in 2006, a year Porsche got a double-whammy from both Audi - and Nissan's magnificent GT-R.
The R8 had a light refresh back in Spring 2012, when it got a better automatic gearbox, an more powerful V10 Plus version and a very subtle restyle, but that was just a means to see the MK1 design through the last couple of years of its life. In its place in 2015, we got this second-generation R8 model, then usefully improved in 2019. A rear-driven model was introduced in 2021, which brings us up to date.
Driving Experience
There are two versions of the gloriously melodic V10 engine available in this R8, which as usual comes mated to 7-speed S tronic auto transmission. The base rear-driven model gets this powerplant with 570PS: with the quattro version most will want, it offers 620PS. Here's a car that in Coupe quattro form is capable of 62mph from rest in just 3.1s en route to 205mph. Stopping power is equally ferocious, thanks to the ceramic brakes that come with quattro spec. The rear-driven version we mentioned earlier is there for an affordable entry-level price and for track fiends to drift in, but most will want the 4WD system that most rivals can't offer, a quattro set-up able to flash 100% of power to either axle instantly on demand: as a result, traction levels are astonishingly high. The car feels agile too, aided by a torque vectoring system, though a slight vagueness in the steering to some extent masks small recent improvements made to the suspension and the steering.
As usual with Audi, there's a 'drive select' driving dynamics system so that you can tweak throttle response, steering, stability control thresholds and gearshift timings to suit the kind of progress you want to make. On quattro models, it includes a special 'performance' mode, with graphics delivered via the customisable screen of the brilliant 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' display that replaces conventional instrument dials. The 'drive select' set-up can also control the suspension too if you opt for the quattro version. The rear-driven model has no adaptive dampers, the steering has a fixed ratio and the limited slip differential is of the conventional mechanical type.
With any R8, on commuting journeys, there's a level of urban manoeuvrability that belies the relatively low seating position and this second generation design's considerable width. All from a super sports model that must still, when called upon, be able to deliver brutal performance, tremendous traction and astonishing agility.
Design and Build
Visually, the R8 remains much as it always was, a distinctive cocktail of low-slung curves and delightful design extravagance, though the arrival of this 'Type 4S' second generation design in 2015 saw the influential shape of the previous MK1 'Type 42'-series model expressed in a tauter, more technically precise way. As before, we're talking Ferrari, but with a German twist. Whether you think Audi should have more fundamentally changed the appearance of this car over the years comes down to personal perspective. Aesthetic continuity certainly hasn't done Porsche's 911 any harm over the last half a century. This model doesn't have that one's understated elegance, but whether you choose this Coupe body style or the Spyder convertible, it looks appropriately exotic and exclusive - just as a six-figure supercar should.
Once inside, you're introduced to what Audi calls a 'luxury-level racing atmosphere'. As usual with any R8, one of the cockpit's key distinguishing features is what the stylists call the 'monoposto', a stylised large arc that encircles the driver's area of the cockpit, starting in the door and ending at the centre tunnel. Another distinctive touch lies with Ingolstadt's decision to dispense with a conventional centre-dash screen and package all the infotainment functionality into this 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument binnacle display that completely replaces the usual set of conventional dials. What else? Well the driving position's almost faultless, positioning you a little higher than you usually would be in a mid-engined super sports car. And you enjoy particularly supportive Nappa Leather-trimmed bucket seats.
And beyond that? Well, were we to be graduating into this car from a 911, we'd miss the little rear seats that Porsche give you there, so useful for chucking a jacket or a designer shopping bag on to. Audi has tried to compensate by providing a 226-litre space behind the seats that it claims is large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Hmm It'd have to be a fairly small one The optional 'Storage pack' gives you these useful nets behind these seats. You're certainly not going to fit anything like a golf bag in the boot. Given that huge engine display cabinet out-back, the luggage bay, as in a 911, is in the front. At 112-litres in size, it isn't very big at all.
Market and Model
Clearly all of the R8's potential comes at a price and in case you're curious as to what that is, you might want to take a seat. The entry-level RWD V10 Performance coupe model costs around £130,000, while the V10 Performance quattro 4WD version will need a budget of around £150,000. You can pay £11,000 more for plusher 'Edition' trim with the RWD variant; it's around £7,000 more with the quattro version. If you want the open-topped spyder body style, you're looking at a premium of around £8,000 over the coupe, with the same engines, drivetrains and trim levels available.
The spend required here leads you to expect plenty of equipment and an exquisite finish - and you get it. 'Performance'-spec and the V10 engine are standard across the line-up and things kick off with the rear-driven entry-level model, marked out from the other variants by 19-inch '5-arm twin spoke' wheels. Plusher 'Edition'-spec on a rear-driven model gets you the 20-inch '5-V spoke Evo' rims that feature elsewhere in the range. Side blade finish will be important to an R8 customer. The side blades are body-coloured with the base RWD version, or Matt Titanium Grey with the base quattro variant. Opt for plusher 'Edition'-spec with either drivetrain and the side blades gain this carbon finish. If, as most customers will be, you're choosing between standard and 'Edition' versions of the quattro variant, the main additions at 'Edition' level are the replacement of bucket seats with Diamond Stitched Sport seats; an extended Nappa leather upholstery trimming pack; a Black Styling Pack that gives you black Audi rings on the nose and a black windscreen frame; a bronze finish for the wheels; and an upgraded 13-speaker 550-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System with speakers in the head restraints for an excellent audio experience.
Cost of Ownership
The R8 may well be the sensible mid-engined supercar but don't let that lull you into the false belief that it'll be cheap to run. Still, Audi has done its best. The V10 FSI powerplant comes with direct and indirect injection and Cylinder on Demand technology linked to a hi-tech start-stop system that'll cut the engine when you don't need it, stuck in traffic or waiting at the lights. Then there's the Multimaterial Audi Space Frame construction that helps to reduce weight by up to 50kg.
As a result, even the V10 Performance quattro variant manages 21.7mpg on the combined cycle and 295g/km of CO2. The rear-driven version improves that to 22.4mpg and 285g/km. Keeping the basic look much the same will protect residual values of previous R8 models.
We're slightly disappointed by the three year 60,000 warranty though, particularly given that the mechanically-identical (and supposedly more temperamental) Lamborghini Huracan comes with a four year unlimited mileage package. The three year deal you get with equivalent McLaren and Porsche models is also unlimited mileage too. As an option, your Audi Centre will sell you a four year 75,000 mile warranty package; or one lasting for five years and 90,000 miles.