Second Gen Audi R8 Assessment & Purchaser’s Information

The introduction of the 2nd technology Audi R8 V10 arrived in 2017.

It marked a brand new period for Audi’s halo automotive, changing the much-loved unique first technology Audi R8 that has been round since 2008. The duty of making a brand new R8 was daunting for Audi, given the excellent success of the primary technology.

Lots of its options are shared with the Lamborghini Huracan, these function the 5.2L V10 engine, AWD system, and carbon-and-aluminum construction.

Though the 2nd technology R8 has a extra angular and aggressive design, it has departed from the unique R8′s iconic aspect blade. However make no mistake… the form and silhouette are nonetheless unmistakable as an R8.

The inside of the R8 was additionally  re-designed to prioritize new applied sciences, consolation, and efficiency.

With its superior know-how and ergonomic design, the brand new R8 has turn into a supercar that’s not solely usable for high-performance observe experiences, but additionally for on a regular basis driving.

Slotting it between the McLaren 570s, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, Acura NSX, and Porsche 911 Turbo, the R8 has cemented its place as one of the vital formidable sports activities vehicles in its class.

Like the unique, it stays intensely near the Italian automotive. The Huracán is aggressive and sharp, whereas the R8 is sleek and complicated.

One standout function that units the R8 aside from its rivals is its screaming V10 engine, which produces a sound that’s unmatched compared.

The R8 driving expertise offers an much more dynamic than the unique it changed. Most notably the improved Quattro AWD system and elevated horsepower.

It not is available in handbook transmission and doesn’t make the most of the sluggish R-Tronic transmission, which was one thing lovers averted and has now been upgraded to function a improbable 7-speed DCT that delivers seamless shifting.

Press the pink button on the steering wheel, and also you’ll immediately be greeted with the roar of the V10 engine. 

Additionally new for the R8 is Audi Drive Choose. Urgent the Drive Choose button on the steering wheel gives the motive force a number of driving modes:

• Consolation: Leads to a comfortable-oriented setting. 
• Auto: Gives an general comfy but dynamic driving feels suited to on a regular basis use.
• Dynamic: Offers the motive force a sporty driving really feel and is suited to a sporty driving model.
• Particular person: Permits drivers to pick out the customized settings they need.

The obtainable driving modes within the R8 modify the habits of the drivetrain for a extra tailor-made driving expertise.

In Dynamic mode, the transmission switches into S, rev matching is enabled, and the gears are held longer into the pink line, whereas the bias of the Quattro system can also be adjusted.

The Efficiency button, however, permits drivers to regulate the extent of traction management primarily based on their preferences.

Moreover, a rotary knob is offered across the Efficiency button to pick out the dry, moist, and snow traction packages for much more management in several driving situations.

Whereas the unique R8 has rightfully earned its place in automotive historical past, the 2nd technology is not any slouch.

Driving an R8 is certain to show heads and an expertise itself, as there are fewer and fewer vehicles on the street today with a V10 engine.

The 2017 mannequin is the primary full 12 months of manufacturing for the 2nd technology R8, which changed the unique R8 from 2008 to 2015.

The bottom worth for the R8 V10 was ($165,000), R8 V10 Plus was ($192,000) and R8 V10 Spyder was ($177,000).

That includes a 5.2L V10 engine that’s shared with the Lamborghini Huracan. There have been 2 variations:

• R8 V10: 502hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque
• R8 V10 Plus: 602hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque

Different variations between the 2 embody:

R8 V10

• Matte Anthracite Grey grille
• Physique-color aspect mirrors
• Mythos Black or Ice Silver aspect blades
• Matte Anthracite Black entrance lip spoiler and rear diffuser
• Shiny Anthracite Black entrance air intakes
• Adaptive built-in rear spoiler
• 19-in. 5-double-spoke Silver wheels
• Twin-trapezoidal exhaust retailers

R8 V10 Plus

• Shiny Anthracite Grey grille
• Carbon fiber aspect mirrors
• Carbon fiber aspect blades
• Carbon fiber entrance lip spoiler and rear diffuser
• Shiny Anthracite Black entrance air intakes
• Rear air retailers
• 19-in. 5-double-spoke Titanium wheels
• Carbon fiber fastened rear spoiler
• Sport exhaust with Black suggestions

On the identical time, the R8 V10 Plus Spyder was additionally launched. Mechanically, it’s the identical because the coupe model, the primary distinction is an open-top roof to expertise the total symphony of the V10 engine. 

R8 V10 RWS (rear-wheel drive) was launched in 2018 as a rear-wheel drive model and provided as a restricted version with solely 999 produced.

In comparison with the usual R8 with all-wheel drive, the RWS model has a extra rear-biased weight distribution, which provides it a extra playful and dynamic dealing with character.

The V10 engine within the RWS produces 540 horsepower (62hp lower than the R8 V10 Plus) and 398 lb-ft of torque.

Though it was an choice, essentially the most noticeable giveaway was the off centered pink stripe.

Different notable adjustments for the 2018 R8 V10:

• New Audi Sport badge on the entrance fascia.
• The looks package deal referred to as Black Optic comes with a darkish inside, darkish exterior accents, and 20-inch wheels.

No Audi R8s have been offered for the mannequin 12 months 2019.

That’s as a result of the R8 was not produced in 2019 in anticipation of the mid-life cycle replace that got here in 2020.

In 2020 the brand new facelifted R8 V10 coupe and spyder was launched.

The R8’s high trim adjustments its title from V10 Plus to V10 Efficiency. These adjustments embody new exterior and inside colours, styling tweaks, and an influence improve.

The usual 2020 R8 coupe prices $172,000 ($7,000 greater than the 2018 mannequin), R8 V10 Efficiency prices $198,000 ($6,000 greater than the 2018 mannequin), R8 V10 Spyder prices $184,000 ($7,000 greater than the 2018 mannequin), and V10 Efficiency spyder prices $210,650.

Each R8 can now hit 200 mph (beginning with the spyder, adopted by the coupe at 201, the Efficiency spyder at 204, and the Efficiency coupe at 205 mph).

The Audi R8 Decennium was additionally launched as a restricted version, with only one of 222 models worldwide. It got here with darkish accents, matte-bronze wheels, and commemorative badging.

In the meantime the one-year-only RWS, previously the least pricey entry into the R8 fold, shouldn’t be provided in 2020.

Different notable adjustments for the 2020 R8 V10:

• Ascari Blue is a brand new colour restricted to Efficiency.
• Metallic Kemora Grey is a brand new colour for all R8 fashions.
• New choice: Efficiency fashions provide the choice to black out all of the Audi badges and paint the brake calipers pink.
• New choice: Two new kinds of leather-based obtainable in silver or brown, plus a wi-fi cellphone charger.

Every thing remained the identical for 2021, besides Audi has changed its base choices from final 12 months with a brand new setup for 2021.

The entry-level variations of the coupe and Spyder now include rear-wheel drive and produce 532hp.

Audi has additionally discontinued the entry-level R8 fashions that don’t function the Efficiency package deal.

This suggests that in case you need an R8 geared up with Quattro AWD, you will must spend money on the Efficiency mannequin.

Not a lot has modified for the reason that 2021 R8, however the base mannequin will get an influence bump as much as 562hp (a 30hp enhance from final 12 months’s mannequin).

Many have anticipated for this to return, however the naturally aspirated R8 has lastly come to the tip of an period and shall be discontinued after 2023.

For the final hurrah, Audi determined to provide the R8 a correct send-off for its mid-engine marvel with a last high-performance Audi R8 GT variant.

Not solely is the R8 GT a lighter model (44 lbs much less) of the coupe, nevertheless it additionally generates 413 lb-ft of torque, and to additional differentiate the 602 hp V10 engine from the 562 hp model, the consumption manifold is painted black, one thing unique to the R8 GT.

Exterior, you’ll visually discover many variations separating it from the opposite R8s together with:

• Black coloured badges
• Carbon Aero kit- Entrance splitter, “flics,” aspect skirt covers, rear bumper aspect parts, a rear diffuser, and a gooseneck (aka swan neck) sort rear wing.

And similar to the unique R8 GT, the 2023 R8 GT shall be a restricted run of simply 333 models worldwide.

The Audi R8 proved to be a notably reliable car, which isn’t usually the case for many high-end or flagship vehicles. This can be due partly to the R8’s lack of advanced digital options and revolutionary devices, as it’s truly a reasonably simple automotive.

Many individuals have pushed theirs to very excessive mileage with none important points. 

Take into accout, it’s important that every one vehicles, even supercars, can have points and it’s essential to carry out a Pre-Buy Inspection (PPI) from a licensed supplier or skilled unbiased mechanic to disclose all points.

• Brake clicking noise: Many homeowners have reported that brakes click on at sluggish speeds normally when going from ahead to reverse or vice versa resembling in a car parking zone. There’s a TSB (technical service bulletins) for the pads clicking: TSB#2047140/3. The repair is mainly double-stick tape on the again of recent entrance pads. It is the identical half quantity pads you already had so nothing is totally different aside from the tape. When the tape breaks down from warmth it is going to begin occurring once more.
• Management arm: Some house owners have observed that their management arm has worn out shortly, and when it does you’ll discover a judder that comes from the steering wheel.
• Magazine trip suspension leak: On the R8 V10 Plus got here with fastened dampers that are dependable, however on the non-Plus fashions, lots of them have been spec’d with the non-obligatory magazine trip system which is understood to fail and consists of worn bushings and leaking suspension parts. These points can result in a much less comfy trip and lowered dealing with capabilities. It’s important to have any suspension parts inspected prior to buy and to handle any points which will come up as quickly as attainable. A typical repair for this difficulty is to switch with manufacturing unit or aftermarket coil over kits which might run anyplace from $2,000 to $6,000 plus labor.
• Paddle shift selector defective: A number of house owners have reported that their R8 has encountered points the place the transmission won’t maintain its chosen gear whereas downshifting, and it’ll soar again as much as the earlier gear that it was on. The issue is the difficulty with the paddle.

2017 and 2018 Audi R8 V10

Air Baggage Frontal/Driver Facet Inflator Module (Recall no. 19V014000)

Upon deployment of the motive force’s frontal airbag, extreme inner stress could trigger the inflator to blow up.

Powertrain (Recall no. 18V639000)

Transmission fluid could leak from the gearbox air flow hose after sure high-speed and maneuvering conditions.

2021 and 2022 Audi R8 V10

Transmission Lubricant (Recall no. 3701)

The gearbox could have an inadequate quantity of transmission oil, which might result in clutch slippage, and in sure driving conditions, a transmission oil leak.

In comparison with different high-performance supercars, proudly owning an Audi R8 is taken into account to have comparatively low upkeep necessities.

Nonetheless, you will need to do not forget that common upkeep and repairs will nonetheless be obligatory, and the prices can differ relying on whether or not you are taking your automotive to a supplier or an unbiased mechanic.

Listed here are the urged service schedule and intervals per Audi:

1 YEAR OR 10,000 MILES

• Change engine oil and filter a minimum of yearly
• Complete Inspection of Manufacturing unit Specs
• Full Manufacturing unit Diagnostics

2 YEARS OF 20,000 MILES

• Change Engine Oil and Filter
• Change Gearbox Oil
• Change Battery
• Engine Oil and Filter
• Examine and substitute V-belt and Tensioner
• Pollen Filters
• Brake Fluid

3 YEARS OR 30,000 MILES

• Change Engine Oil and Filter
• Change Gearbox Oil

Here’s a tough estimate of typical service prices related to the Audi R8 V10:

• Oil Change – As little as $150 for unbiased mechanic and $300 for supplier.
• Minor Service – Usually consists of oil change, cabin filters, and engine filters. The fee from a supplier is round $1,000.
• Main Service – Usually consists of all of the above plus spark plugs, brake flush, and trans flush, count on about $2,000 from a supplier.
• Tires – A set of high-performance tires like Michelin PS4 will price about $2,000.
• Brakes – Rotors are carbon ceramic which ought to final without end. Aftermarket brake pads which are OE equal will price about $800 for a full set.
• Clutch – Twin clutch transmission ought to final the lifetime of the automotive so count on zero extra bills for clutch or flywheel service.

The second technology R8 provided just a few choices to select from.

On the usual V10, among the extra fashionable choices included an upgraded carbon fiber package deal which included carbon aspect blades and upgraded mesh-style wheels. 

For the R8 V10 and V10 Plus (later Efficiency), one other engaging choice was the racing shell seats or the game seats with diamond stitching. It added a contact of sportiness and luxurious to the automotive inside. 

Many R8s additionally had the Premium Bundle choice which included a greater Bang & Olufsen sound system, 18-way energy seats with lumbar for aspect and leg bolsters, alcantara headliner, leather-based armrests and middle console, excessive beam help, illuminated door sills and storage netting behind seats and sides of the trunk. 

A handful of R8 clients additionally went via the Audi Unique program which was a factory-in-house customization program, that allowed clients to personalize their R8 with distinctive exterior and inside colours, supplies, and options that weren’t obtainable on common manufacturing fashions. 

Due to the strict approval necessities, vehicles that went via the Audi Unique program are thought of extremely fascinating. 

These vehicles normally command a better premium available in the market resulting from their exclusivity and uniqueness. 

Listed here are some examples of choice adjustments:

2017 Audi R8 V10 Choices Checklist

Exterior Choices for 2017 Audi R8 V10

Inside Choices for 2017 Audi R8 V10

2023 Audi R8 V10 Efficiency Choices Checklist

Among the extra fascinating choices to search for embody:

• Carbon Sigma package deal which incorporates carbon aspect blades and inside items
• Upgraded mesh manufacturing unit wheels on (2017 and 2018 R8s)
• Sport exhaust choice
• Racing shell seats and diamond-stitched sport seats
• Audi Unique exterior or inside (uncommon)

Audi R8 V10 Values (V10 Plus and Efficiency)

The perfect Audi R8 V10 to purchase

Relating to shopping for an R8, there are just a few key components to contemplate that may have an effect on the automotive’s long-term worth.

Among the standards break down into 3 classes. 

There are a number of R8 fashions which are more likely to enhance in worth over time, together with the limited-edition R8 GT of which solely 333 models shall be constructed.

Moreover, the R8 Decennium version, which was produced in a restricted run of 222 models and solely 50 of these can be found within the USA, can also be anticipated to understand.

Lastly, despite the fact that it has decrease horsepower and is inexpensive, the R8 RWS is a uncommon discover as solely 999 models have been produced.

Common manufacturing R8s that can most probably respect in worth would be the premium variants such because the V10 Plus, and V10 Efficiency.

Though they’re barely costlier than the common non-Plus and non Efficiency, they will even depreciate a lot much less. 

By way of market stability, your finest wager could be a facelift 2020-2023 R8 V10 Efficiency.

The facelift R8 got here with improved aerodynamics, engine energy, transmission, suspension, braking, and infotainment. Taking all of those components under consideration, the 2020-2023 R8 stays a superb alternative and its costs are anticipated to stay steady.

With that mentioned, all R8s, together with the sooner pre-facelift fashions from 2017-2018, are a clever funding resulting from their popularity for distinctive construct high quality and reliability. These autos have a demonstrated observe document of being mechanically sound with only a few issues.

The noise the V10 engine makes is actually an unforgettable expertise. And collectors and lovers in in the present day’s market are exhibiting nice curiosity in naturally aspirated V10s as hybrid know-how more and more dominates the automotive trade.

Other than restricted version fashions, the situation and mileage of the R8 are important components to keep in mind whereas buying it. Many R8s have undergone modifications and arduous driving.

Nonetheless, a well-maintained R8 with low mileage is extra more likely to retain its worth and command a better worth sooner or later.

Due to this fact, it is essential to do your analysis, examine costs, and search for well-maintained vehicles if you’re contemplating buying an R8 with the aim of not shedding any cash.

In conclusion, in case you’re searching for a dependable first supercar that falls within the worth vary of round ($140,000+), the Audi R8 is a superb choice to contemplate.

Though chances are you’ll discover different vehicles within the phase just like the McLaren 570s, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, Acura NSX, and Porsche 911 Turbo, none of them can match the excellent options of the car with the wonderful V10 engine, distinctive know-how, unparalleled consolation, user-friendly design, and reliable efficiency.

To sum up, in case you’re seeking to buy a supercar, the R8 is a superb choice that you’ll not remorse selecting.