Audi R8
The Audi R8 is the first true supercar from the well-known German brand. With elements borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán and a strong link to Audi's racing efforts, the R8 offered state-of-the-art technology and performance. With seating for two, a powerful V8 and later a V10 engine, paired with Audi's trademark Quattro® all-wheel-drive system or optional rear-wheel drive, the R8 was Audi's premium supercar for two generations.
Explore the evolution of the Audi R8
Get our expert take on used Audi R8 models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Audi R8
For the second generation, Audi raised the bar on performance, offering only a V10 engine with the buyer's choice of 533 horsepower or 602 hp. Compared to the first generation, the 2016-2024 Audi R8 offered more cylinders, more power, and more performance technology. The second-generation R8 also received new bodywork with sharper lines, giving it a more aggressive presentation in both its coupe and convertible (Spyder) variants.
A large rear glass window shows off the 5.2-liter V10 engine. Overall, the second-generation R8 was also lighter, substituting carbon fiber for aluminum in much of the bodywork. A dual-clutch automatic transmission drove Audi's latest Quattro® all-wheel-drive system, but rear-wheel drive was available as an option.
A midcycle face-lift gave the 2019 and newer R8 a little more power, up to 562 horsepower or 612 horsepower, yielding a 0-60 mph time of about 3.1 seconds for the top V10 Performance spec.
Model highlights
V10 engine
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Standard all-wheel drive; optional rear-wheel drive
Seating for two passengers
Updated bodywork
First generations Audi R8
Audi took its reputation for performance to the next level with the revolutionary mid-engine R8 sports car. Audi has long been known for its sporty sedans and coupes, and for its signature Quattro® all-wheel drive system. But for the 2008 model year, the venerable German company broke all the rules and delivered a two-seat sport coupe that exceeded expectations. A 4.2-liter V8 engine delivered 420 horsepower, passed to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed R tronic automated manual gearbox.
For 2009, Audi added an available 5.2-liter V10 engine, world-first LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, and more. Then in 2010 came the R8 Spyder, a convertible with a cloth top. Because the R8 was closely tied to Audi's racing models, changes kept coming, including a new dual-clutch automatic transmission in 2012. An adaptive suspension and extensive use of carbon-fiber bodywork also arrived toward the end of this generation.
Model highlights
4.2-liter V8 or 5.2-liter V10 engines
Manual or automatic transmissions
Standard Quattro® all-wheel drive; available rear-wheel drive
Seating for two
Available Bang & Olufsen audio system
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2016 - 2023
2023 Audi R8
Highlights
Introduction of high-performance rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 GT model (150 units)
Learn more
2022 Audi R8
Highlights
More power for rear-wheel-drive R8 Performance RWD model
R8 Performance RWD offered Sport Exhaust and Dynamic packages
Learn more
2021 Audi R8
Highlights
Rear-wheel-drive version added to lineup as base model
Limited-run Panther Edition added with black paint and red interior accents
Learn more
2020 Audi R8
Highlights
R8 returned with refreshed exterior design
More power for base engine
Limited-edition Decennium model with available matte gray paint to celebrate 10 years of V10 power
RWS special edition did not return
R8 Plus changed name to R8 Performance
Learn more
2019 Audi R8
2018 Audi R8
Highlights
New base rear-wheel-drive RWS model added
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® became standard
Laser LED headlights available
Learn more
2017 Audi R8
Highlights
Redesigned R8 shared much of its engineering with Lamborghini Huracán
New aluminum spaceframe added carbon-fiber components
Lighter than last model
5.2-liter V10 added power, improved fuel economy
V8 engine did not return
Coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles
Learn more
Previous generation from 2008 - 2015
2016 Audi R8
2015 Audi R8
Highlights
New trim levels included V10 Carbon Spyder and limited-edition V10 Competition coupe
Standard power-folding exterior mirrors on base model
Optional sport exhaust on V10 S tronic models
Learn more
2014 Audi R8
Highlights
Revised exterior styling
S tronic dual-clutch automatic replaces R tronic
Learn more
2013 Audi R8
2012 Audi R8
2011 Audi R8
2010 Audi R8
2009 Audi R8
2008 Audi R8
Highlights
All-new for 2008
420-horsepower V8 mid-engine supercar
Standard all-wheel drive
Six-speed manual or R tronic automatic transmission
Shared basic design with Lamborghini Gallardo
Learn more
Looking for 2012 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2013 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi R8 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi R8 64th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Audi R8 is $838, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Audi R8 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.7 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 30% for the Audi R8, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Editorial content contained on this page comes from Edmunds.com, Inc., a subsidiary of CarMax Enterprise Service, LLC, and information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.