Audi R8 Model Years and History

The Audi R8 carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

The Audi R8 carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marks the first full redesign for the mid-engined supercar. Gone is the V8 version, with only two versions of the more powerful V10 engine left. Styling on the car has evolved with the times, the 2017 R8 looking lower, meaner and more modern than the model that preceded it. The R8's iconic carbon fiber "Blades" have been removed from the side of the vehicle in favor of a more conventional twin intake design, leaving the R8's profile more coherent and mature than in years past. One thing that hasn't changed is out of this world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit better while doing so.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marks the first full redesign for the mid-engined supercar. Gone is the V8 version, with only two versions of the more powerful V10 engine left. Styling on the car has evolved with the times, the 2017 R8 looking lower, meaner and more modern than the model that preceded it. The R8's iconic carbon fiber "Blades" have been removed from the side of the vehicle in favor of a more conventional twin intake design, leaving the R8's profile more coherent and mature than in years past. One thing that hasn't changed is out of this world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit better while doing so.

While the 2020 R8 received a minor refresh since its last full redesign in 2017 it keeps its aggressive lines and road stance intact. Two versions of the this powerful V10 engine are available. Styling on the car has evolved with the times and include a Coupe and Spyder model. One thing that hasn't changed is out of this world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit meaner while doing so.

While the 2020 R8 received a minor refresh since its last full redesign in 2017 it keeps its aggressive lines and road stance intact. Two versions of the this powerful V10 engine are available. Styling on the car has evolved with the times and include a Coupe and Spyder model. One thing that hasn't changed is out of this world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit meaner while doing so.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marked the first full redesign for the mid-engine supercar. All new 2018 models come equipped with Audi's smartphone interface that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Black Optic package adds 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels and other black trim and the V10 - equipped models get the new option of laser headlights.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marked the first full redesign for the mid-engine supercar. All new 2018 models come equipped with Audi's smartphone interface that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Black Optic package adds 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels and other black trim and the V10 ? equipped models get the new option of laser headlights.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marks the first full redesign for the mid-engine supercar. Gone is the V8 version, with only two versions of the more powerful V10 engine left. Styling on the car has evolved with the times, the 2017 R8 looking lower, meaner and more modern than the model that preceded it. The R8's iconic carbon fiber "Blades" have been removed from the side of the vehicle in favor of a more conventional twin intake design, leaving the R8's profile more coherent and mature than in years past. One thing that hasn't changed is out-of-this-world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit better while doing so.

While the R8 received a minor refresh a few years ago, 2017 marks the first full redesign for the mid-engine supercar. Gone is the V8 version, with only two versions of the more powerful V10 engine left. Styling on the car has evolved with the times, the 2017 R8 looking lower, meaner and more modern than the model that preceded it. The R8's iconic carbon fiber "Blades" have been removed from the side of the vehicle in favor of a more conventional twin intake design, leaving the R8's profile more coherent and mature than in years past. One thing that hasn't changed is out-of-this-world performance. The R8 still has the chops to go toe to toe with some of the fastest cars in the world, now it just looks a little bit better while doing so.

For 2014, Audi's flagship R8 supercar receives a few notable updates. While the potent V8 and V10 engines carry over, a new optional S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission replaces the single-clutch R-Tronic unit, providing for a smoother, faster shifting experience. Additionally, a new R8 V10 Plus model replaces the R8 V10 GT, with an even more powerful engine that produces 550 hp, a 25-hp bump over the standard R8. Audi claims a top speed of 198 mph for the new trim.

For 2011, Audi adds an open-top Spyder model to its popular R8 supercar lineup. The Spyder is powered by the 525-hp 5.2-liter V10 found in the R8 5.2 coupe. The canvas top takes just 19 seconds to open or close and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph. Prices for the R8 Spyder start at $161,000.

Audi's R8 supercar returns for 2010 with few visual changes, including high-gloss black chin spoiler and air inlet paint, a new grille design, and new all-LED headlights. The most noteworthy change is the addition of an optional 525-horsepower 5.2L V10 sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. V10 models get unique 10-spoke 19-inch wheels, magnetic ride control, two large tailpipes instead of the V8's four, and larger brakes.

Audi's R8 supercar returns for 2009 following its much lauded introduction in 2008. The mid-engined V8 rocket sees few changes. Among them are a slight pricing increase for both manual and R-tronic models. A 6-CD changer is now standard, as are the Bluetooth handsfree interface and Homelink universal garage door opener. A high-gloss polished version of the standard 19-inch wheels is now available, as well as carbon fiber inlays for the interior and engine compartment trim. Navigation is now a separate $2000 option.

The much-heralded R8 coupe takes center stage for Audi's 2008 model lineup. With a 420-horsepower, 4.2L mid-engine V8, the R8 can sprint to 60 mph in just over four seconds and can ably run through whatever curves you might be able to find, but the real story is in its visceral appeal. The R8 marries German engineering with Italian verve (the R8 shares its platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo) to great effect, and looks like nothing else on the road.