“Born on the track, built for the road.” The volume-production model now follows after the world premiere of the significantly improved R8 LMS GT3 at the Paris Motor Show. Apart from the sportier design, the performance of the R8 Coupé and Spyder (Combined fuel consumption in l/100km: 13.3 – 12.9 (17.7 – 18.2 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 301 -293 (484.4 – 471.5 g/mi) has been enhanced. The power of the two V10 naturally aspirated engines is uprated to 419 kW (570 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 12.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 293) and 456 kW (620 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 13.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 297). The models will go on sale in Europe in early 2019. 

“The R8 occupies a unique position for Audi in every respect,” says Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “It’s now even more powerful and faster,” adds Oliver Hoffmann, Technical Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH: “Motorsports are part of our DNA. With around 50 percent shared parts with the R8 LMS GT3, no other automobile is as close to motor racing as the R8.”

Even more power and torque: the engines

Instant response, lightning-fast high-revving and a unique sound – the V10 naturally aspirated engine is the heart of the Audi R8. With the basic engine, the 397 kW (540 metric horsepower) of power has been increased to 419 kW (570 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 12.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 293), the torque boosted by 20 Nm (14.8 lb-ft) to 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft), which is on tap at 6,200 revolutions per minute. The Audi R8 V10 quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.4 seconds (Coupé) and 3.5 seconds (Spyder) before going on to a top speed of 324/322 km/h (201.3/200.1 mph).

The 5.2 FSI in the Audi R8 V10 performance quattro generates 456 kW (620 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 13.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 297)instead of the previous 449 kW (610 metric horsepower), with a peak torque of 580 Nm (427.8 lb-ft) substituting the previous 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft). The increase here is primarily the result of an optimized valve train with components made of titanium. The Coupé sprints to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.1 seconds, and the Spyder takes 3.2 seconds. The propulsive power ends at 331/329 km/h (205.7/204.4 mph). The two V10 naturally aspirated engines with 5.2 liters (0.2 cu ft) of displacement come with a particulate filter. 

Razor-sharp precision: the suspension

Modifications to the suspension provide increased precision and response. The assistance has been retuned both with the optional dynamic steering and the electromechanical power steering. The steering response is more direct and precise throughout the entire speed range. This ensures optimum steering sensitivity with continuously good road contact in every driving situation.

Dynamic steering uses a superposition gear to change the gear ratio between 10.5:1 and 15.8:1 depending on the driving speed; the steering is very direct during maneuvering, while it is calm and smooth on the freeway. In Performance mode, the characteristic is on a considerably more direct level than the characteristic in the Comfort or Auto modes. To ensure particularly precise handling in the threshold range, the gear ratio is constant (i = 14:1) in Performance mode as from approx. 140 km/h (87.0 mph).

In addition to the well-known Audi drive select modes, the three additional programs dry, wet and snow form part of the Performance mode on the R8 V10 performance quattro. They adapt the key dynamic parameters to the friction coefficient of the road. Thanks to the enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the Audi R8 V10 performance brakes from 100 km/h (62.1 mph) to a standstill up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) earlier; the stopping distance from 200 km/h (124.3 mph) is up to five meters (16.4 ft) shorter – in each case depending on the exterior conditions.

The new Audi R8 is equipped with factory-installed 19-inch wheels. 20-inch fully milled wheels in five-V dynamic design with new summer and sport tires, which convey even more precise handling, are available as an option. For the standard-fit steel disks Audi supplies red as opposed to black painted calipers as an option. The calipers for the ceramic brakes generally come with a gray or red finish. The stabilizer at the front axle is optionally made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum, which cuts weight at the front axle by around two kilograms (4.4 lb).

Sharper and tauter: the design

The honed character of the new R8 models also becomes clear visually. The Singleframe radiator grille is even wider and flatter. In combination with the dimmed headlights and adjoining design elements, the R8 looks even sharper. Winglets at the side divide the large air inlets and the flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille are reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro. The new front splitter is now wider, underscoring the sporty look. The air inlet grille spans the entire width of the rear end. The diffuser is even more dominant and frames the new oval exhaust tailpipes. The air filter is situated in the engine compartment under a new three-part cover. It is available in a choice of plastic or carbon fiber.

Depending on the engine variant, R8 customers can choose between three exterior packages. They place different emphasis on the front splitter, the sill trims and the diffuser. Standard specification for the R8 V10 quattro with 419 kW (570 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 12.9; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 293) is high-gloss black; the top-of-the-line version R8 V10 performance quattro with 456 kW (620 metric horsepower) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 13.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 302 – 297)comes off the production line with a matte titanium look. The high-gloss carbon package is available for both engine variants. As an option, the Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black; the new metallic colors Kemora gray and Ascari blue are recent additions to the paint range.

The new look also includes the Audi R8 interior with its driver focus. New options here include the colors pastel silver with rock gray contrasting stitching, palomino brown with steel gray stitching, and black with utopia blue stitching. The R8 performance design package with leather/Alcantara upholstery, highlights in Mercato blue and carbon-fiber trim is available for the top-of-the-line engine variants. The Audi exclusive range gives customers the opportunity to customize many details of their Audi R8 – inside and out.

New model designations

The models will go on sale in early 2019. The new Audi R8 models will be arriving at dealerships in Germany and other European countries in the course of the first quarter of 2019. Audi is introducing new model designations with the upgrade of the R8. The R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 will become the R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 quattro models; the Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 plus are now called Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 performance quattro – an analogy to the most powerful RS models from Audi Sport.


All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.