2023 Audi R8
Overview
Few supercars actually get driven daily, but the 2023 Audi R8 seems designed for such a task. It offers a reasonably easy-going ride along with its breakneck acceleration. The R8 shares its underpinnings and its powertrain—a mighty V-10 and seven-speed automatic—with the wild Lamborghini Huracán. The Audi is less hardcore than the Lambo, though, less intense on a twisty road or racetrack. What the R8 offers instead is a level of refinement that’s more in line with the rest of the Audi lineup. Its snug, two-seat cabin is lined with high-end materials and features a minimalist design that forgoes the usual center-mounted infotainment display in favor of a digital gauge display that serves both purposes. The interior is comfortable for both driver and passenger, and the R8 would make a fine touring car if it weren’t for a puny cargo area that fits only one carry-on suitcase. If this particular cross-section of performance and luxury appeals to you, now’s the time to act, as this is the final year for Audi’s V-10–powered showpiece.
What’s New for 2023?
This year marks the end of production for the current-generation R8. Audi is sending off the supercar with a limited edition GT model, which is offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a 602-hp version of the car’s V-10 engine. The GT also sports a revised seven-speed automatic transmission, which Audi claims offers quicker shifts, and a drift-inducing Torque Rear driving mode to make hooning the R8 easier. Then again, this doesn’t seem like a car that begs to be thrown around with its rear tires smoking. Inside, the GT sports rich black- and-red upholstery, carbon-fiber interior trim, and a number plaque noting its place in the production run. Other than the GT, the rest of the lineup, which consists of a coupe and a convertible, remains unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
For some added flash, we’d suggest going with the Spyder. After all, with the top down, passersby will be able to get a better look at the lucky dog behind the wheel. Choosing between the standard and Performance models is a tougher decision. On the one hand, the 562-hp V-10 provides incredible acceleration and the same bellowing wail as the 602-hp car. On the other hand, rolling up to the next Cars and Coffee event with the ultimate R8 may feel just a bit more awesome.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The R8’s V-10 engine is offered in two strengths, both potent enough to shake your eardrums with their otherworldly exhalations. The R8’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic isn’t the smoothest gearbox. It occasionally downshifts too abruptly, causing neck-snapping acceleration followed by an immediate upshift. The base R8 comes standard with an adaptive suspension, while Performance models are fitted with a more aggressive fixed-damper setup. Both soak up bumps admirably and provide a comfortable ride that you could tolerate without fatigue on long trips. The R8’s supple nature comes with a drawback, however: In full-attack mode, it doesn’t handle corners as confidently as its rivals, feeling more unsettled than you’d expect a supercar to be. The standard steering setup is direct and relays information from the road to the driver’s hands with sufficient feel.
More on the R8 Coupe and Convertible
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
An economical choice it is not. Rear-drive models do 14 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive cars fare even worse: 13 and 18, respectively. Given this poor showing, all buyers must pay a gas-guzzler tax as part of the sale price. So be it. For more information about the R8’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Minimalism never felt so luxurious. By having the instrument cluster double as the infotainment screen, Audi provides a refreshingly simple layout and lets the beautifully sculpted sport seats and high-resolution digital gauge display take center stage in the R8’s cockpit. Audi allows for quite a bit of customization when it comes to interior colors and textures: Black, gray, brown, and red leather are offered in either a flat or quilted pattern with matching or contrast stitching. Overall, it’s a beautifully executed cockpit with easy-to-reach controls, including the ignition button located on the steering wheel. No one buys a supercar for its practicality, and the R8 doesn’t buck the segment trend by offering real cargo capacity. In our testing, it provided space for just one carry-on suitcase. Pack light.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The excellent Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster does double duty here, displaying both instrumentation and the MMI infotainment system. It feels as futuristic here as it does in Audi’s other cars, such as the A4 and the TT. High-resolution navigation is standard, and the system can be controlled via voice commands, steering-wheel-mounted buttons, or a click wheel on the center console. An onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Audi offers little in the way of driver-assistance features, but the R8 coupe comes equipped with a full complement of airbags. For more information about the R8’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automatic high-beams Standard front and rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s warranty coverage is roughly in line with most competitors, but the Corvette Z06 and the Porsche 911 Turbo both offer something extra in the form of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Audi R8 Performance
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe or convertible
PRICE
Base: Coupe, $151,895; Convertible, $164,095
ENGINE
DOHC 40-valve V-10, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 318 in3, 5204 cm3
Power: 562 hp @ 8100 rpm
Torque: 406 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.4 in
Width: 76.4 in
Height: 48.7 in
Passenger Volume: 50 ft3
Cargo Volume: 4–8 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3600–3700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.4–3.5 sec
100 mph: 7.5¬–7.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.5–11.6 sec
Top Speed: 200–204 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/14/23 mpg
More Features and Specs
