The improved version of the second generation Audi R8 Coupe is an even more serious Porsche 911 Turbo rival. Jonathan Crouch drives it

Ten Second Review

The second generation Audi R8 has become fiercer and more focused in recent times, with its V10 petrol engine providing near supercar levels of performance. Buyers choose between rear wheel drive and quattro 4WD versions of the single 570PS 'Performance' level of powerplant tune, with both capable of topping 200mph. As ever with an R8, you can have either a Coupe or an open-topped Spyder version. Either way, this car remains deeply desirable.

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.

Summary

The appeal of this 'Type 4S' second generation R8 has a lot to do with its engine, so it's just as well for Audi that the 5.2-litre V10 is such a glorious powerplant. It reminds you that normal aspiration produces a level of aural entertainment that a turbo unit can never quite match. We'll miss it when it finally disappears. Ingolstadt has clearly benchmarked key competitors and blended Latin exclusivity with Teutonic day-to-day usability, creating a finished product that's difficult to beat if you want a car of this kind you could drive every day. It's a very Audi supercar. And there's nothing quite like it.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Heated rear window

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Differential Lock + traction control

Wave brake discs

Gloss black brake calipers

Electronic Stability Programme

Chassis/Suspension

RWD specific sport suspension

Communication

Audi smartphone interface

Bluetooth interface

Audi phone box with wireless charging

Audi connect

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors

Cruise control with speed above 18mph

Audi drive select

Driver Convenience

Start/Stop system with energy recuperation

Driver Information

Audi virtual cockpit

Emergency call service

Service interval indicator

MMI navigation plus with MMI touch

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated, folding and automatically dimming door mirrors with integrated LED indicator

Body colour exterior mirror housings

Auto dimming rear view mirror and frameless with light and rain sensor

Embellishment Trims

Belt loops, top section of centre console, centre armrest, door pull handle and speaker trim on front pass. side in fine Nappa leather seat up. colour

Door armrests and map compartments in fine Nappa leather in seat upholstery colour

Cowl, monoposto, airbag cover and knee pad on the drivers side in fine Nappa black leather

Anthracite anodised paint finish inlays

Upper section of dashboard and door rails in artificial leather with sporty 3D rhombus embossing

Lower section of dashboard, loudspeaker on the drivers side, rear panel rail and side panel trims in artificial black leather

Engine

Audi cylinder on demand

Entertainment

Audi music interface with 2 USB ports with charge and data functions

DAB Digital radio

Audi sound system with 5 loudspeakers including centre loudspeaker and 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 watts

Exterior Body Features

Gloss black radiator grille with R8 emblem

Chrome plated oval tailpipe trim

Automatically extendable rear spoiler

Audi space frame

Rear boot

Exterior Lights

Audi beam

LED rear lights with dynamic rear indicators

3rd brake light

LED headlights with dipped beam, daytime running lights, indicator and static turning light in LED technology

High beam assist

Light and rain sensor

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Deluxe automatic climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

3 spoke flat bottomed sport leather steering wheel and multifunction plus with 2 operating satellites

Door sill trims in plastic with aluminium inlays and R8 logo

Stainless steel pedals and footrest

Black cloth headlining

Extended inlays in titanium finish and glossy anthracite for air vent surround

Packs

Gloss black styling pack - R8

Interior light pack - R8

Safety

Driver/front passenger airbag

Tyre pressure warning light

Seatbelt monitoring

Side curtain airbags

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front side airbags

Seats

Seat heating

Pneumatic seat backrest and side bolster adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Security

Advanced key with safelock

Anti theft alarm and immobiliser

Locking wheel bolts

Remote central locking

Transmission

Rear wheel drive with passive differential lock on rear axle

S tronic transmission with hill hold assist

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Tool kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 285

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 286

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 285

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 40

Engine Code: 4SRREF

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Cylinders: 10

Cylinder Layout: V10

CC: 5204

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.8

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84.5

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 22.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.6

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 570

Badge Engine CC: 5.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Performance

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: FSI [570] V10

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Power - RPM: 8000

Engine Power - BHP: 570

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Engine Power - KW: 419

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.7

Top Speed: 204

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 6400

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/35 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 ARM TWIN SPOKE

Tyre Size Rear: 295/35 R19

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2037

Height: 1242

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1940

Wheelbase: 2650

Length: 4429

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1895

Minimum Kerbweight: 1590

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 305

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 112

No. of Seats: 2

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.2

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

Engine

Large fuel tank 83 liters

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Side blades in Ice Silver

Complete protective cover

Side blades in metallic mythos Black

Crystal effect paint

Pearlescent paint

Interior Features

Perforated fine nappa leather upholstery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Suzuka grey

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Kemora grey

Metallic - Tango red

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Vegas yellow

Solid - Ibis white

Paint - Special

Crystal - Ara blue

Seats

Electrically adjustable seats

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Trim - Leather

Fine nappa leather - Black with Anthracite black stitching

Fine nappa leather - Pastell silver with Rock grey stitching

Fine nappa leather - Express red with Express red stitching

Perforated fine nappa leather - Black with Black stitching

Perforated fine nappa leather - Silver with Rock grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 spoke design cast aluminium wheels in gloss black look

19" 5 arm twin spoke design forged aluminium wheels in gloss anthracite black diamond cut finish