Audi has never produced a real sports vehicle, despite having a long history in motorsports and enjoying enormous success in rallying and endurance racing. The once-popular Audi TT possesses the majority of the necessary components, but its front-wheel-drive architecture, which was mostly derived from the VW Golf, left it well behind the Porsche Boxster, Nissan Z cars, and various roadsters and two-seat coupes from BMW.
Even though the resulting speed-specials were softer and more road-oriented than the adrenaline-charging weapons from Mercedes-Benz’ AMG or BMW’s M division, Audi remained content developing high-performance versions of its premium coupes and sedans, focusing on promoting all-wheel drive technology and turbocharged engines.
Only in the early 2000s, as a result of Audi’s continued dominance in the Le Mans race and the Volkswagen Auto Group’s recent acquisition of Lamborghini, did the reality of an Audi supercar start to take shape. The plan for the mid-engine Audi R8the brand’s first supercartook shape with the Le Mans Quattro concept in 2003. This was done to amortize the cost of development of the nascent Lamborghini Gallardo and to move Audi a little closer to Mercedes and BMW.
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Audi Le Mans Quattro Concept
Although the exotic twin-turbo V-10 engine was replaced with a more production-friendly version of Audi’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8, the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept looked nearly identical to the real R8 that debuted in 2007. With 414 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque transmitted to all four wheels via either Audi’s R-Tronic six-speed automated manual or a gated six-speed manual transmission, power was enough for a mid-engine sports car of the era. These early R8s had zero-to-60 mph speeds of roughly four seconds and a top speed of about 188 mph.
The Audi R8 Goes V-10
When the revised 5.2-liter V-10 from the Lamborghini LP560-4 was forced into the R8, the R8’s Lamborghini heritage was fully on display for the 2009 model year. Interesting fact: The V-10 in the Lamborghini is actually an Audi V-10 taken from the S6 and S8. In fact, the R8 V10 employs an Audi V-10 that was taken out of a Lamborghini, but I digress. The R8’s peak speed was increased to 196 mph, while its output was increased to 518 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This allowed it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The Audi R8 Spyder
Both the V-8 and the V-10 models came with drop-top Spyder variations. The V-8 added 14 more horsepower than the V-8 coupe, bringing the total to 428 horsepower, although torque stayed the same at 317 lb-ft. The limited edition R8 GT debuted in 2011, reducing the curb weight of the standard R8 V10 by 220 pounds and boosting its output to 552 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. To make up for the extra power and expand the overall performance envelope, the R8 GT also added a variety of suspension, braking, and aerodynamic improvements over the ordinary car. Only 333 units of the GT were produced in total, with an extra 333 units of the R8 GT Spyder being produced.
In the rest of the globe, the first-generation R8 underwent a mid-cycle makeover for 2012, and it made its way to the United States in 2013 as a 2014 model year. The R8 received mainly cosmetic enhancements from the refresh, but it also received some substantial mechanical improvements, most notably the replacement of the unreliable R-Tronic automatic manual transmission with a new seven-speed dual-clutch. Additionally introduced as an optional upgrade for the V-8 cars was standard magnetic dampening for the R8 V10.
In 2014, the R8 V10 Plus made its way to our shores, bringing with it a new top-of-the-line trim with more power and performance akin to the earlier R8 GT. The R8 V10 Plus, which also received a retuned suspension, an improved interior, and enhanced looks, has the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine as the normal R8 V10 but with 542 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Second-Generation Audi R8
The first-generation R8 was replaced with a brand-new model in 2015 for the 2016 model year following these transient changes. The second-generation R8 shares a large portion of its structural DNA with the Lamborghini Huracan, staying with the bones of the previous generation of Lamborghinis. This includes the well-known 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V-10, the only engine now available, which has an initial output of either 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft in the R8 V10 Plus coupe or 533 horsepower and 398 lb-ft in the original R8 coupe. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the exception of the limited-edition R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series), is used to distribute power to all four wheels.
The second-generation R8 received a power boost and cosmetic overhaul for 2019. The standard coupe now has 562 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the newly called R8 Coupe Performance Quattro has 602 hp and 443 lb-ft. All versions of the second-generation R8 feature excellent performance; manufacturer estimated zero-to-60 mph timings range between 3.2 and 3.5 seconds, though independent tests have shown that these times are conservative.
Audi R8 Highlights
The Audi R8 will probably do well with time. Many enthusiasts’ rankings of the best designs from the 2000s routinely place the first generation of the supercar at the top, and it will only become better with time. Even though older R8s could have a negative connotation as merely used supercars, wait a while or buy one now, when their depreciation curve is at its lowest point.
The R8 will be one of the best ways to get into something genuinely exotic for not much more than the price of entry into a loaded mid-size crossover SUV after the first R8s are out of the too-new-to-be-classic but too-old-to-be-cool dead zone. Early V-8s are especially affordable to buy and substantially less expensive to maintain than a Ferrari or Lamborghini of a same vintage. Think of regular Porsche 911 maintenance as being more expensive than a BMW or Audi car and less expensive than an Aston Martin.
Any generation of the R8 is intended to be a more formal, understated supercar, if such a thing exists. Although the price of the current R8 is closer to that of the Porsche 911 Turbo, the current Acura NSX, and the Aston Martin Vantage than it is to the Huracn or the 720S from Lamborghini, the R8 performs and performs on par with those more exotic cars, in our opinion. On the basis of its sound and brutal launch control, we’d really prefer a new R8 to any of the listed options. A first-generation Audi R8 V10 with a gated manual transmission is rumored to be one of the best “exotic” sensations available for less than $100,000, so there’s that as well.
Audi R8 Buying Tips
Any model or specification of Audi R8 should be fairly reliable and shouldn’t come with too many mechanical surprises. A pre-buy check at a nearby expert or dealer is always a pleasant addition with any potential purchase, as is a thick stack of maintenance documents. Considering that even the oldest R8s still get factory support from Audi for the time being, the R8 has a high availability of parts. As previously said, anticipate routine maintenance costs akin to those associated with a Porsche 911.
We strongly advise only looking at first-generation R8s with either the six-speed manual transmission or the later dual-clutch models if you’re in the market for one. At all costs, stay away from the R-Tronic; it’s clumsy, slow, somewhat fragile, and, in the opinion of some devotees, destroys the whole experience. The type of engine also important because V-8s are obviously more economical than V-10s, but there is also a big difference in the speed, upkeep, and prestige between the two engines, which can add to (or take away from) collectibility.
Audi R8 Auctions
The Audi R8 has undoubted appeal, but it isn’t yet valuable enough to sell at big auction houses. The solid track record of sold R8s suffices to provide an estimate of what you might pay for a first generation, and Bring a Trailer never lets you down. There are so many second-generation R8sthe current modelon Audi lots that purchasing one directly from the manufacturer would be preferable.
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Compared to Mercedes-Benz and BMW, whose trophy cabinets are stuffed with medals from decades ago, Audi AG’s involvement in motorsport appears to be relatively new. However, three of the companies that merged to form Auto Union AG and subsequently Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, have very respectable histories in circuit racing and hill climbs, so the DNA was unquestionably there. A motorsports program was on the plan shortly after Auto Union and NSU amalgamated to form the current Audi AG, and the brand is now synonymous with success having dominated Group- Rallying in the 1980s, successful seasons in the DTM and other Touring Car and Supertouring Championships in the 1990s and beyond, and three straight triumphs at the “24 Hours of Le Mans,” widely regarded as the pinnacle of racing, to open the new millennium.
As a compliment to the success they were having in motorsport during these times, Audi introduced sportier versions into the upper end of their line-up of road-going models. However, Audi didn’t have much of a supercar pedigree until they took the risky decision to prove to the world that they could also make such a car in 2006 and the R8 was the outcome. The RS4 and RS6 were most notably well received and led to RS variants of most of the model lineup.
The R8 is a mid-engine, two-seat supercar that serves as Audi’s flagship design (a title it still holds today). With two engines, a 4.2-liter FSI V8 and a 5.2-liter FSI V10, it was introduced in 2007 and utilises Audi’s renowned Quattro four-wheel drive technology, which has been refined through many years of competition. Its innovative design and performance won it widespread praise in the automotive press and demonstrated that it belonged in the same category as supercars from manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Can you, however, improve upon the best? In 2011, Audi Sport GmbH, a private part of Audi AG, provided a response by internally creating the R8 “GT,” a very special variant that would be produced in small quantities. The brief was simply “greater power, less weight,” to put it briefly. The high-performance Audi R8 GT (coup), which made its debut at the 2010 Wrthersee Tour, was followed by the R8 GT Spyder, which made its debut at the 2011 “24 Hours of Le Mans.” The R8 GT Spyder, which is only available in 333 units worldwide, blends the R8 GT’s aggression with an open-top driving experience.
The R8 GT Spyder was Audi’s most expensive road vehicle to date when it was new, costing 158,145. (over 40,000 more than the standard V10 Spyder). Highlights of the specifications include a 35-bhp increase in power to 553 horsepower, carbon ceramic brakes, and a traditional spring suspension setup that is 10mm lower than the variable Magnetic Ride system found on the normal V10. The soft top cover and the huge side panels at the back are constructed of carbon fiber reinforced polymer, and the engine structure is built of ultra-lightweight magnesium (CFRP). The revised rear bumper, the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler, and even the seats are built of CFRP, which alone results in a weight savings of 32 kg. Together, these parts result in an 85 kg weight reduction over the normal V10 Spyder, and the GT’s resulting top speed of 197 mph and 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds making it a true supercar that you could comfortably drive on a daily basis.
The car being shown here is a 2013 Audi R8 (Type 42) GT Spyder that was supplied by the UK and is one of only 33 that were made in total. It is finished in a stunning Sphere Blue matt paint job, a rare color that Audi used for many of the GT model’s launch PR photos, and it has only had two owners in total, with our private vendor having bought it in 2016. Naturally, it has a complete Audi service history (see images; note that the service at 6,506 miles should read 14/05/15 as per the Service History Certificate), ensuring that its extremely conservative 22,000 miles have been enjoyed in excellent mechanical health. Additionally, the appearance and condition of the entire car reflect its meticulous upkeep, garage storage, and low mileage shared by just two responsible owners. Given the factorsability, rarity, history, condition, and pure practicality for what is possibly the most approachable “supercar” in the world, our guiding price is really attractive.
What Audi R8 is the most elusive?
What kind of appearance are you looking for in a supercar? attracting with vibrant colors? or in all-black with subtly ominous accents? It’s clear that the owner of this uncommon, limited-edition Audi R8 Green Hell Edition chose the latter, and it’s as delectable as it gets.
The Audi R8 Green Hell Edition, a limited-edition supercar that will only be made in 50 units worldwide, honors the R8 LMS’ five overall triumphs at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. It is constructed in Audi’s “Bllinger Hfe” manufacturing facility, which also produces the Space Frame for the R8 LMS race car.
Gallery: Audi R8 Green Hell Edition
The limited edition Audi R8 is available in four color options, but the car shown in the page’s header is painted in a devilishly beautiful shade called Mythos Black. The brief, scriptless video was made by Auditography, but we’re not mad about it. Seeing the German Huracan in the flesh has already left us speechless.
To contrast the Tioman Green paint, the press imageswhich you can see in the gallery abovecome with black foil covers. Red is used in place of these highlights and continues to the wheels for superb yet subtle style. The interior is filled with a variety of Alcantara-covered items and “Green Hell R8” badging.
How many Audi R8 V10 vehicles were made?
A high-performance version of the R8 V10, the Audi R8 GT was unveiled at the 2010 Wrthersee Tour[21]. The quattro four-wheel drive system is used with the 5.2 L (5,204 cc) V10 engine in the GT. In comparison to the R8 5.2 FSI quattro, the curb weight has been decreased by 100 kg (220 lb) to 1,525 kg (3,362 lb), while the engine’s output has been boosted to 560 PS (412 kW; 552 horsepower) at 8,000 rpm and 540 Nm (398 lbft) at 6,500 rpm of torque. These modifications allow the R8 GT to accelerate from 0 km/h (62 mph) to 320 km/h (199 mph) in 3.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the R8 V10. Red brake calipers, a fixed rear wing, front bumper mounted winglets, and GT badging in place of the normal V10 badging are some other cosmetic alterations to the vehicle. A total of 333 vehicles were produced for the 2012 model year, 35 of which were earmarked for the UK market and 90 for the US market. [22]