New Audi R8 facelift revealed

Audi has refreshed its R8 supercar by giving it a power upgrade and a fresh look for 2019.

Available to order from the first quarter of 2019, the facelifted second-gen R8 will come with a choice of two naturally aspirated V10 engines: the 562bhp quattro or the 612bhp performance quattro – and two bodystyles: the fixed-roof coupe and drop-top spyder.

The Audi R8 V10 quattro coupe can clear a 0-62mph sprint in 3.4 seconds, and 3.5 seconds in the convertible, before topping out at 201mph (spyder: 200mph).

With more power, the 5.2-litre FSI in the Audi R8 V10 performance quattro can get up to 62mph in 3.1 seconds (3.2s in the spyder), reaching a top speed of 205mph and 204mph respectively.

Visually, changes have been minor, which is more than forgivable for a car as visually stunning as the R8. There are differences though; the front grille is now lower and wider than before, bringing it inline with the Q8 SUV and new A6, while the front apron is a tad more intricate, boasting an additional pair of blades in the side vents and a new front splitter.

Beneath the skin, Audi has modified the suspension to provide even more stability and precision. The assistance has been retuned with the optional dynamic steering and the electromechanical power steering. Steering response, transitions between individual drive modes and feedback from the road come across as even more precise across the entire speed range.

Michael-Julius Renz, managing director of Audi Sport GmbH, said: “The R8 occupies a unique position for Audi in every respect. It’s now even more powerful and faster.”

Oliver Hoffmann, Audi Sport’s technical managing director, added that around 50 per cent of the parts are shared with the R8 LMS GT3, which means no other production automobile brings humble motorists closer to motor racing than the R8.

Expect Audi to ask for more than the £112,525 starting price currently set for its R8 when orders open early next year.

Like What You’ve Read?

For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.

Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.