Audi R8 Coupe

The existing iteration of the Audi R8 is in its second-generation. It received heavy updates a couple of months ago and is revved by a thunderous V10 engine, which is likely to be retired within a few years which will ostensibly mark the end of the V10-powered R8. Audi could either axe the model after the second generation or power it with an all-electric or a plug-in hybrid system. The facelifted Audi R8 coupe, it turns out, gets visually enhanced, thanks to the recent updates. With these styling revamping, the coupe gets a more aggressive and sharper look. The traction has improved over the previous model, though it still misses out on high-tech safety bits and interior lacks flexibility. In its segment, the Audi R8 coupe fields against Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4, McLaren 570S, and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R. 

Styling changes on the outside are prominent, featuring a wider grille, with three slits atop. The grille covers up the nose, while segmented headlamps flanking it, infuse an aggressive look. Also, there is a prominent large bonnet with sharp lines, trickling down to the headlamps. Large air-inlets, skid plates at the front and sculpted elements complete the sporty stance. At the sides, it equips chunky alloy wheels, pronounced wheel arches, and bold lines. The windshield flows into the sloping roof, that merges with the steeply raked in, short rear windscreen. With too many elements covering up the rear, it appears a bit clumsy, that said it gets a larger lip spoiler, sleek tail-lamps, air-intakes covering up the entire bumper and meaty diffusers that seem a bit too large for it. 

Changes to the interior are minimal indicating the driving position is as comfortable as it was earlier. The facelifted R8 misses out on the central screen, instead, it comes with a 12.3-inch digitalized instrument cluster as part of Audi’s virtual cockpit. Even though the system looks crisp, it is not as smooth in operation, as it could take some time to get used to the controls. In addition to the above features, there is an MMI rotary dial with touch. Also, there are controls for air-conditioning that are easy to use, gear selector, switchgear and push-button starter among several others. As for comfort, the seats are snug and supportive, though the bucket seats are fixed and cannot be adjusted. This supercar also offers some utility points such as the door pockets, cup-holders and other storage points in front of the shifter and on the armrest. Despite being a mid-engined car, the Audi R8 coupe gets a boot which is spacious enough to store two small bags or one suitcase.  

Mechanically, the Audi R8 remains unchanged, carrying the same 5.2-litre V10 (FSI), naturally aspirated engine from the previous version, though it has been calibrated to churn out 419kW against 560Nm torque. This unit is paired to a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox supported by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drivetrain. It is claimed to sprint to 100 km/h from rest within 3.4 seconds, with speed topping out at 324 km/h. Safety features packed in the ultra-luxurious coupe include a reversing camera, parking sensors, dual front airbags, curtain airbags, side airbags, etc.