
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)
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2022 Audi R8
Highlights
More power for rear-wheel-drive R8 Performance RWD model
R8 Performance RWD offered Sport Exhaust and Dynamic packages
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2014 Audi R8

Highlights
Revised exterior styling
S tronic dual-clutch automatic replaces R tronic
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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
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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.
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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.
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