Overview

What's New for 2021

Audi offers customers a choice between the base 532-hp R8 equipped with rear-wheel-drive or the 602-hp Performance trim with all-wheel-drive. It is available in two body styles as well -- a sleek coupe or gorgeous Spyder convertible.

Pricing for the R8 Coupe starts at around $143,000, or $155,000 for the Spyder. It comes standard with performance parts like 19-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, concealing 14.4-inch front and 14-inch rear brakes. Understanding that most drivers will want to be as connected to the road as possible, Audi does not offer much in the way of driver-assistance systems. However, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic LED headlights are standard. Other notable features are leather upholstery, heated seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control. Instead of an infotainment screen, all of the R8’s music, navigation, and other media functions display on the digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Navigation, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are included.

Stepping up to the Performance model adds a more potent engine and all-wheel-drive for $197,000 ($208,500 for the Spyder). The Performance trim has ceramic brakes, extensive carbon-fiber trim, and racing shell seats upholstered in Nappa leather.

Shoppers can select from nine standard metallic colors or choose from an array of exotic colors and matte options. A $5,000 leather package adds diamond-stitched seats, a diamond-stitched Alcantara headliner, and additional cabin leather trim. Tech options include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and advanced LED headlights with Audi Laser Light.

The base engine is a 5.2-liter V10 producing 532 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Audi says it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, on to a top track speed of 201 mph.

The Performance trim uses the same 5.2-liter V10, but this produces 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The extra power gives it an estimated 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and a top track speed of 205 mph.

Both cars use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that can operate in manual or automatic mode. It is easy to use and offers quick shifts.

Though the R8 is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in its class, it doesn’t get particularly good fuel economy, achieving just 17 mpg in EPA estimates, with the Performance trim averaging 16 mpg.

Audi does interior styling better than almost anyone, effortlessly blending elegance, sportiness, and practicality. These traits are on full display inside the R8, with a sleek and minimalist cabin that conceals powerhouse tech features. The interior seats two, with leather seats that are supportive and comfortable enough for long trips.

One of the first things one notices in the driver layout is the lack of an infotainment screen. Almost every car these days has one. The R8 goes a different route, running all media and vehicle settings out of a crystal-clear 12.3-inch screen set behind the steering wheel. This display stands in for traditional analog gauges, too, and it can quickly switch between a digital speedometer, navigation, music, and much more. The steering wheel is well-padded and has many quick-access buttons, including a handsome start-stop button in bright red. The only controls on the dashboard itself are three gorgeous dials for managing the dual-zone climate control.

The R8 has no back seat and a tiny trunk, but a smooth ride and intuitive features make it comfortable to drive every day.