Overview
The top-of-the-line R8 sports vehicle from Audi has a roaring 602 horsepower V-10 engine hidden under its cramped two-seat interior. The R8 and Lamborghini Huracán have many similarities, but the R8 has a less showy design. Although it's less fun to drive, consumers looking for a supercar they can use every day might find Audi's refinement intriguing.
Although the R8's interior is underwhelmingly equipped and all infotainment functions are handled by the digital gauge cluster, the space is nevertheless luxurious and comfortable, justifying the R8's high starting price.
Although more cargo room would be appreciated, you don't buy a car like this for that purpose. You purchase an R8, or one of its competitors like the Porsche 911 or McLaren 570S, for the enjoyment of driving it.
What Has Changed For 2022?
For 2022, the basic coupe and Spyder convertible get a 30-horsepower increase. The V-10 now has 406 pound-feet of torque and 562 horsepower. Currently, a Sport Exhaust kit and a Dynamic package are available for both body types. The first requires no explanation. The latter has improved race seats with Nappa leather upholstery, ceramic brakes, and distinctive 20-inch wheels.
Audi R8: Engine And Performance
Two V-10 engine options are available for the R8, and both are powerful enough to rattle your eardrums with their unearthly exhalations. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in the R8 isn't the most seamless transmission.
On occasion, it downshifts too quickly, resulting in neck-snapping acceleration and an instantaneous upshift. The base R8 has an adaptive suspension as standard equipment, whereas Performance variants have a more aggressive fixed-damper arrangement.
Both do a great job of absorbing bumps and offer a comfortable ride that you can endure on lengthy journeys without getting tired. The R8's flexibility has a downside, though: It doesn't handle turns as confidently as its competitors when in full assault mode, and it seems less composed than you might anticipate from a supercar. The typical steering configuration is straightforward and provides the driver's hands with enough sensation when transmitting information from the road.
Audi R8: Interior And Comfort
Never has minimalism been so opulent. Audi presents a refreshingly straightforward arrangement, allowing the exquisitely contoured racing seats and high-resolution digital gauge display to take center stage in the R8's cockpit. The instrument cluster also serves as the infotainment screen.
When it comes to interior colors and textures, Audi offers a wide range of options: Black, grey, brown, and red leather are available in flat or quilted patterns with matching or contrast stitching. Overall, the cockpit is nicely designed and has simple-to-use controls, such as the ignition switch on the steering wheel.
Nobody buys a supercar for its utility, and the R8 doesn't deviate from the segment's norm by providing much cargo space. In our testing, there was only enough room for one carry-on suitcase.
Audi R8: Connectivity
Instrumentation and the MMI infotainment system are displayed on the superb Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster in this situation. Here, as in other Audi vehicles like the A4 and TT, it feels just as futuristic. Standard features include high-resolution navigation that may be used with voice commands, buttons affixed to the steering wheel, or a click wheel on the center console. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard features, as well as an onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Audi R8: Pricing
The Audi R8 is extremely expensive, even for a high-end sports car. The R8 V10 Performance has a starting price of about $197,000 for coupe vehicles and $209,000 for convertible variants, while the standard model starts at roughly $143,000 for coupe models and $155,000 for convertible models.
Which One To Purchase?
We would advise choosing the Spyder if you want a little extra flash. After all, with the top down, onlookers will be able to see the fortunate dog behind the wheel more clearly. It is more difficult to decide between the ordinary and Performance models. On the one hand, the 602-hp car's roaring roar is identical to the 562-hp V-10's tremendous acceleration. However, arriving at the upcoming Cars and Coffee event in the ultimate R8 might feel slightly better.