The Evolution of the Audi R8

Breakdown

The Audi R8 has been a stunning driver’s car made possible by precise German engineering. No matter if it’s the softer V8 or the hardcore V10, the R8 is a quick car. With mid engine balance, between 420-610 horsepower depending on the model and year, and sophisticated computers combined with a light yet sleek body makes for an overall wonderful machine. With this, the R8 has become a staple for all kinds of petrol heads. Ranging from those who love to mess around and tune the car for maximum appeal, to people striving to feel the pure experience of just them and the car on the open road. With now 10 years since the first R8 was set loose to the streets, there has been some changes made to the models along its production journey.

2007 Coupe 4.2 Quattro

This was the first of the R8’s and was in production all the way up until 2012. This model came with a 4.2L V8 that created 420 HP. With this power you get from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. You could find this same V8 under the hood of the current RS4 back in 2007, but the one in this R8 was a little special. It used a dry sump lubrication system, which had two oil pumps instead of one, causing the engine to run smoother. It also contained an overhead camshaft, which made power more direct and immediate. The 2007 R8 was also special because of its unique 4 wheel drive system. It was one of the first of its kind to technically have 4 wheel drive, but it puts 80% of its power to the rear wheels and 30% to the front. This means you will be cutting corners without immense over steer like you would in some rear wheel drive cars, but still be able to have fun driving with the feel of a supercar.

2009 Coupe 5.2 Quattro

The second installment of the R8 has one of the more significant changes made to it. As you could probably tell by the name, this R8 now has a 5.2L V10, which is the same one as you would find in a Lamborghini Gallardo. This ups the HP to 532 and creating a much louder, and in my opinion, better sound. The torque also is increased by 100 Newtons now making 530 Newtons of torque. This meant a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The 5.2 R8 is also the world’s first ever car to have LED headlights, which was monumental not just for Audi but the car industry as a whole. They also increased the brake size and made the wheels lighter and stiffer to withstand the new brakes. This meant cornering was again a stellar area the Audi could take on and with the new Lamborghini V10, power was not something that fell short either.

2010 Spyder 5.2 Quattro

The first convertible version, otherwise known as spyder, of the R8 debuted in the year 2010. This was made less for setting blisteringly fast lap times on the track and was more focused on being a car one could cruise in; with the wind rushing through their hair and the screaming, magnificent, and thunderous V10 behind their heads. This model though, possessed a few changes to it’s structure. It had extra chassis support since the two ends of the car were only formally connected by the floor, which did add some extra weight. Some other modifications including new safety roll bars were necessary to add as well. With this, the 5.2 Lamborghini V10 engine still produced a whopping 525 HP and has a top speed of 197 mph and also a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. Despite these weight additions, the R8 spyder was still an extremely agile machine, built with great precision, and is an outstanding driver’s car.

2011 Spyder 4.2 Quattro

After the release of the first spyder R8, Audi decided to bring back the same feel of the convertible yet bring back the classic 4.2L V8 used in other Audi RS series vehicles like the RS4 for example. This still gave the R8 414 HP, 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph which was surprisingly quick for a convertible and having extra weight and less stability. Like its V10 cousin however, it is still on the lighter side despite obtaining extra weight from taking the roof off. This is because parts of the R8 are made of carbon fiber polymer, which at the time was popular and revolutionary for cars because of its combination of being sturdy and light at the same time. Most performance cars contain some elements of carbon fiber today to help create a solid structure while also being able to shed weight instead of heavy metals like steel being used in the past.

2011 R8 GT

The R8 GT was a breakthrough in the R8 timeline. This was the first one to be specialized more for racing while also still being street legal. This too has the 5.2L V10 that now cranks out 560 HP instead of the 532 HP in the coupe V10 version. In the GT, you’ll get from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 198 mph. This car was all about shedding weight instead of simply just adding more power. While Audi still kept the engine classic, they say that they eliminated 220 pounds by doing things such as lighter seats, lighter windscreen, carbon fiber engine cover, etc. This model also has a new spoiler, giving it more down-force on the rear tires and also giving off a sportier vibe. Overall, the GT was built to be an upgrade from the already fast 5.2 coupe but for those who wanted to retain more stability cutting through corners on the track while still being able to take the remarkable R8 to the streets.

2012 R8 GT Spyder

The spyder of the GT R8 had the same type of purpose Audi was looking for with their coupe GT. The spyder still has weight reduction implemented and contains the same basic logistics. The per usual 5.2L V10 disputes again 560 HP, but the 0-60 time is reduced to 3.7 seconds and its top speed is also reduced to 197 mph, which was expected being a convertible but still extraordinary numbers for a car that has a soft top roof. Like the coupe GT the spyder version has a rear spoiler but this time also has a front air splitter to increase aerodynamics. Also similar to the coupe GT, the spyder was in limited production and was given out to around 100 people in the U.S. The spyder though, makes as an even more spectacular driver’s car than the coupe, despite being just a tiny bit slower, still maintaining serious speed, comfort, and the rush of wind without the roof if chosen.

2017 R8 V10 Plus

After a long and well deserved break of new production since 2012, Audi came back with a bang. The new R8 V10 plus monsters up the horsepower to a staggering 610. This means a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and an astounding top speed of 200 mph. This R8 looks much more modern look with a sleeker body, whilst keeping the spoiler in the back, and posing a larger front grill with additional small ones on the front corners. This ups the air intake, allowing the engine to breathe and create more combustion, allowing the R8 to pick up more speed, faster. All of this revolutionary new speed combined with the screeching engine and firm yet smooth ride makes for one of arguably the best drivers cars on the market today.

2017 R8 Spyder

The all new spyder is also revolutionary for its kind in many ways. Its 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds beats the old spyder by 0.2 seconds and with a top speed of 197 mph, has the power to match. The engine causing all of the fuss is the same one that was used in Lamborghini’s 2016 Huracan with a few modifications made by Audi computer whiz magic. That means there is now 540 HP to be dealt with and the R8 spyder handles it well. With the same goal as the coupe version but with a few different arrangements to keep the car stable, the spyder still takes corners just as well. The spyder also is now AWD, meaning all four wheels are now working independently to generate the perfect amount of power depending on the condition as to where the wheel is in contact with the ground. As a slightly toned down version of the new R8 coupe, the spyder still makes for a truly spectacular piece of machinery.

Wrap-Up

The Audi R8 has had its fair share of changes and differences throughout the years of its production thus far. The same mid-engine body and aesthetic design have stayed consistent through the years of production. While some other characteristics have changed, including weight loss playing a big role and engine change between the V8 and V10. In conclusion, the Audi R8 has been an automotive icon from the start in 2007, but has progressed with new changes and while maintaining some continuity to keep its special Audi flare of excitement.

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