Name: 2021 Audi R8
Brand: Audi

Audi R8

EPA MPG: 16 mpg

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Audi R8 First Drive

Summary

Introduction

A rare combination of style, speed, sound and technology, at a price

Overview

Freshened for 2020, the R8 represents the road-going distillation of Audi’s storied motorsports history. The most powerful production model in the company’s history, the R8 is a true supercar, with all the extraordinary performance that label implies. It is pure, visceral, and seductive yet, it can function daily in the real world without just being limited to Nurburgring fantasies on sparse weekend escapes.

The R8 comes as a coupe and convertible in two basic configurations: R8 V10 and R8 V10 Performance. Each boasts a mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 engine, with power routed to all four corners. At about $143,000, the updated base model packs 532 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, good for a claimed 0-60 mph blast in 3.6 seconds in the coupe. The Performance model starts at about $197,000, and it brings 602 hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque to the party. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission is standard. Rear and all-wheel drive are available.

For obvious reasons, the R8 isn’t a car CR would buy and formally test but to get more than a feel for it we borrowed from Audi for a fee. Naturally, it was the R8 Performance. Below are our impressions.

Impressions

The automaker claims this version runs 0-60 mph in a scant 3.2 seconds. Based on our thrill rides, that claim is believable but at this stratosphere, it’s almost besides the point. The normally aspirated power on tap from this aluminum engine is pure, abundant, and linear--a rarity these days with so many turbocharged rivals. The thrust is immediate, smooth, and ultimately addicting. There are no power peaks or valleys. It feels like limitless power can be harnessed from a standstill all the way to felonious speeds.

Acceleration is blistering, accompanied by the wonderful, sonorous soundtrack. Bark and bite are in concert, adding to the rollicking entertainment.

Super-quick, direct shifts from the dual-clutch seven-speed transmission spice up the experience. Hardly anyone missed the lack of a traditional manual; unlike the previous R8, the current one lacks a stick. In Sport mode, the transmission faithfully mimics a manual, rev-matching and all. Paddle shifters, squared-off steering wheel, and a red start button on the wheel evoke F1 race cars.

As is the case with many mid-engined cars, turn-in response is immediate, with cornering aided by the utter lack of body roll. Steering is heavy and mission appropriate, though not particularly communicative.

On our road course, the R8 was quick and capable, showing tenacious cornering grip, but also willing to play. The car feels decidedly rear-wheel drive, and with all aids off, the R8 can rotate its tail in a gradual, gracious way, then the driver can summon the all-wheel-drive system to exit the corner.

On the daily commute, the ride is very firm, as one would expect in such a focused sports car, but it’s not going to shatter your spine. This is not a pampering GT coupe as some similarly priced choices are, but a sports car to the core. The fact that the R8 delivers such ultra-high-performance without a raucous character, intimidating handling demeanor, and a Spartan cabin sometimes common for the breed is a pretty big compliment.

Sure, access requires agility, with the car so low slung that you can barely fit a shoe under the side sills. The snug, firm seats in our tester moved only fore and aft without even an angle adjustment for the seatback. This set-up reinforces the impression that this is a track toy or weekend plaything. There are 18-way sport seats available, and we’d recommend considering them.

That said, the interior is finely crafted and visually appealing. Nicely finished metal trim contributes to an exotic flair. Center stage is the striking virtual cockpit, with a 12.3-inch display in the instrument panel that can show trip info, audio, navigation, or phone functions, making interactions seamless.

Our test drive sample had the optional Bang & Olufsen sound on the off-chance you got bored with the captivating V10 soundtrack singing behind your ears. Storage is limited, notably just enough for a wallet. There is a small aft trunk. But more notable back there is a veritable display case to show off the lust-worthy engine.