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Audi R8 – figures, data, facts and a driving report

All about the Audi R8

Are you interested in finding out all the details about the new Audi R8? What makes it special, its technical data and exclusive equipment features? How much does the Audi R8 cost? Who its closest competitors are? And above all, how the Audi R8 presents itself on the road?

Then you’ve come to the right place! We offer you a comprehensive overview of all the information you need about the Audi R8.

The model history of the Audi R8

The Audi R8 model history reflects the fascinating development of this classic sports car. The origins of this series date back to the early 2000s, when Audi made the decision to design the latest generation of the legendary R8. The R8 was presented to the world for the first time at the 2006 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main and seamlessly continued Audi’s tradition of high-performance sports cars. The design of the R8 is characterized by a timeless aesthetic that preserves the classic lines while incorporating modern, aerodynamic elements.

The R8 model range offers a variety of variants, from the basic version to the powerful V10 Plus models. A notable feature is the use of lightweight materials such as aluminium and advanced composites to minimize weight and optimize performance. Under the hood, the different variants rely on powerful V10 engines that take the impressive performance of the R8 to a new level.

The Audi R8 series is also characterized by its innovative technology. The interior has been designed with high-quality materials and features an advanced infotainment system that offers state-of-the-art connectivity. In addition, the R8 series integrates advanced driver assistance systems that not only increase safety but also driving comfort.

With the R8 model series, Audi is once again underlining its pursuit of excellence in the sports car segment. These vehicles embody the synthesis of tradition and innovation that makes the R8 a symbol of driving pleasure and technical sophistication.

Background: The history of the Audi R8

The captivating story of the Audi R8 began in 2006 and takes us on an exciting journey through the world of high-performance sports cars. Audi first unveiled the R8 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, creating a legend that combined Audi excellence with racing technology.

Originally, the R8 sprang from the racing arena, where Audi had already enjoyed great success with the R8 LMS. The vision behind the R8 was to develop a road car that carried the racing genes of its predecessor. Right from the start, the R8 was powered by a powerful engine that provided impressive acceleration and top speeds.

Over the years, the Audi R8 has undergone several stages of development, with each generation integrating advanced technologies and lightweight materials. The models not only became more powerful, but also aerodynamically optimized to ensure improved road holding and driving stability. The introduction of the S tronic dual-clutch transmission in the later generations enabled fast gear changes and contributed significantly to the performance of the R8.

The R8 has also celebrated impressive successes on race tracks around the world, from endurance races to prestigious motorsport events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The R8’s racing pedigree is evident in its precision and agility, giving drivers on the road the feeling of being in control of a real race car.

The current generation of the Audi R8, including the model presented here, remains a technological masterpiece that captures the fascination of racing in a road car. With its distinctive design, striking lines and impressive performance, the R8 remains a symbol of driving pleasure and performance that continues to thrill Audi enthusiasts worldwide.

What makes the Audi R8 so special?

The current Audi R8 embodies a pinnacle of technological sophistication and presents a number of innovations that have never before been found in any other road car, especially not in an Audi production model:

Innovative aerodynamics concept

Even a conventional Audi R8 generates considerable downforce thanks to its distinctive rear wing and various aerodynamic elements. However, the R8 RS sets new standards by tripling this value. At 200 km/h, it generates an impressive 409 kg of downforce, twice as much as its direct predecessor. This is achieved not only by the eye-catching rear wing, but also by side air intakes, wheel arch vents with sideblades for optimized airflow and various wing elements at the front of the vehicle. In addition, the R8 RS relies on a cooling system derived from motorsport with a center radiator installed at an angle in the front of the vehicle.

Innovation from motorsport: DRS (Downforce Reduction System)

The Downforce Reduction System (DRS) is the first pioneering innovation to be fitted as standard in the Audi R8 RS. This enables the hydraulic adjustment of part of the rear wing. The wing can either be set flat to reduce drag or act as an airbrake and shorten the braking distance from 200 km/h by an impressive 2.5 meters.

Extreme lightweight construction

With a focus on outstanding power-to-weight ratio, Audi makes use of various lightweight materials. These include carbon side doors, magnesium wheels with central locking and particularly lightweight bucket seats. Every gram has been taken into account in the R8 RS of the 2022 model series to ensure maximum performance.

Drive: 5.2-liter V10 engine

Renowned for its powerful performance, the Audi R8 RS relies on an impressive 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. With special camshafts, it not only impresses with its power, but also with its distinctive sound. Despite current emissions regulations, it is a high-revving engine that reaches over 9,000 revolutions per minute.

Top equipment: the performance package

For drivers who want to take performance to the extreme, Audi offers the optional Performance package. This includes real carbon elements such as the hood, the roof, the mirror covers and the rear wing. Shift paddles from the Porsche 911 GT3 R racing car and a massive roll cage with corresponding struts are also part of this impressive package.

Technical data of the Audi R8

Drive of the Audi R8:

  • Engine: 10-cylinder naturally aspirated V-engine
  • Fuel type: Super Plus gasoline
  • Displacement: 5204cc Compression ratio: 12.7:1
  • Engine power: 449kW / 610 hp at 8250 rpm
  • Torque: 560 Nm at 6500 rpm
  • Drive type: All-wheel drive (AWD)
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
  • Environmentally friendly: Complies with the EURO 6d emissions standard

Bodywork of the Audi R8

  • Vehicle type: Coupé
  • Seats: 2 persons
  • Dimensions: Length 4426mm x width 1940mm x height 1240mm
  • Wheelbase: 2650mm Track width: 1620mm front / 1595mm rear
  • Ground clearance: 110mm
  • Trunk capacity: 112 liters
  • Unladen weight: 1630kg
  • Weight distribution: 40.5% front / 59.5% rear Permissible total weight
  • Total weight: 1900kg
  • Payload: 270kg
  • Chassis: Independent suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers
  • Steering ratio: 15.2:1
  • Rim size: 9j x 20″ front / 11j x 21″
  • Rear tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
  • Tire size: 245/30-R20 front / 305/30-R21 rear

Driving performance

  • Top speed: 331 km/h
  • Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 3.1 seconds
  • Acceleration 0 to 200 km/h: 9.8 seconds
  • Braking distance 100 to 0 km/h: 30.0 m
  • Braking distance 200 to 0 km/h: 95.0 m

Test reports of the Audi R8

The Audi R8 was lavishly praised by the trade press and automotive journalists and received almost exclusively excellent reviews. Here is an excerpt of the national and international test reports:

sport auto Supertest

In the super test of the German magazine sport auto, the Audi R8 shines with top marks in almost all disciplines, making it one of the best sports cars ever tested there.

-> to the test report

TopGear Review 2023

The British culture magazine TopGear praises the Audi R8 for its impressive performance and aptly describes it as a “road-legal racing car”. The recognition goes to the sporty design, the powerful engine and the precise suspension set-up, which make the R8 an outstanding vehicle.

-> to the test report

Auto Bild driving report

In one of the first driving reports, Auto Bild emphasized the outstanding uncompromising nature of the Audi R8, which brings it close to the racing world. It praised the rare fusion of road capability and racing performance, which makes the R8 a unique vehicle.

-> To the driving report

Target group: Who is the Audi R8 suitable for?

One thing is clear: the Audi R8 is definitely not made for everyone – and that is not its claim. Enthusiasts of the Audi Sport Performance models, on the other hand, know exactly what they appreciate so much about these vehicles. But who is the elegant power of the Audi R8 actually made for?

The Audi R8 is the right car for anyone who…

  • attach more importance to impressive performance than simple elegance
  • are looking for a sports car with a racy character and road approval
  • are preferably at home on race tracks rather than on normal roads
  • have a self-confident personality and like to be conspicuous on the road
  • think an ordinary Audi A4 is far too ordinary and still want to experience pure driving pleasure in 2024.

How much does the Audi R8 cost?

The Audi R8 is available from a base price of €182,000. However, the cost range can be extended considerably through individual configuration, because luxury and performance have their price – a tradition that the Audi R8 continues. Here are some examples from the extensive equipment catalog:

  1. The performance package costs an additional €25,000.
  2. The optional ceramic brake system is available from €9,800.
  3. An individual color configuration according to personal taste costs from €12,500 extra.

An Audi R8 with comprehensive equipment can therefore easily exceed the €220,000 mark. The high demand and limited availability on the used car market can even lead to existing vehicles being traded above the official list price.

Competitors of the Audi R8

Despite the highly praised ratings, the Audi R8 by no means occupies an isolated position, but is in direct competition with other renowned sports car manufacturers. Numerous established vehicles like to measure themselves against the Audi R8 and challenge it.

Porsche 911 Turbo

The Porsche 911 Turbo represents the particularly powerful version of the already impressive Porsche 911 and, like the McLaren 765LT and the Audi R8 Performance, incorporates numerous details directly from motorsport into its design.

Lamborghini Huracán

Although the Lamborghini Huracán is not a completely new model variant from the Italian manufacturer, it remains an outstanding high-performance interpretation in Lamborghini’s mid-engine series. There is no equivalent variant of the current Lamborghini Huracán Evo with comparable performance characteristics.

McLaren 570S

The current McLaren 570S series also offers an extremely powerful variant with extensive motorsport extras. This high-performance version bears the name McLaren 570S GT4.

How can you drive the Audi R8?

For those of you who can’t get carried away by the impressive highlights of the Audi R8, we unfortunately have no solution…

However, we would like to show everyone else how you can take a seat behind the wheel of the Audi R8 yourself today:

Option 1: Buy an Audi R8

For those with sufficient financial means, there is of course the option of simply buying an Audi R8 from Audi. This way, you can take a seat behind the wheel of the Audi R8 yourself at any time and also configure your personal dream car according to your own ideas.

Unfortunately, this option is not only time-consuming due to the expected delivery times, but can also be quite expensive.

Option 2: Audi R8 test drive

An alternative option is to test drive the Audi R8 at an Audi center of your choice. It probably doesn’t get any cheaper than this to enjoy driving this dream car yourself.

However, this option is rather unlikely to be realized, as a) only a few Audi centers have this special sports car as a demonstration car and b) it is rather rare that a car as exclusive as the Audi R8 is simply available for a test drive.

Option 3: Hire an Audi R8 from DRIVAR®

If you don’t want to buy an Audi R8 right away or have the right connections for a test drive at the Audi Center, you can still rent an Audi from DRIVAR today – regardless of whether you actually rent an Audi R8 or one of the many other models.

 

Option 4: Audi R8 race track training

Nowhere does an Audi R8 feel more at home than on a real racetrack – so why not book an Audi R8 racetrack training session with DRIVAR and drive this motorsport monster around the track yourself?