Fully redesigned this past year, the 2018 Audi R8 coupe is closely associated with the Lamborghini Huracan because both use the identical V-10 engine and dual-clutch transmission. Even though it seems decidedly less dramatic by comparison, its functionality is anything but.
The beauty of contemporary exotic cars such as the 2018 Audi R8 coupe goes far beyond their alluring looks. As opposed to just occasional playthings for the rich, so uncomfortable in daily driving they’re taken out only on weekends, the Audi R8 illustrates the contemporary exotic.
The R8 sacrifices none of their high profile straight-line functionality or track-specific managing expected from an exotic automobile breaking in the $200,000 range. The 2018 Audi R8 Coupe, all-new this past season, is broader, lighter and faster than its predecessor, however, it’s elegance inside never lets you forget it is an Audi.
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What is an Audi R8?
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car, which employs Audi’s trademark Quattro full-time AWD system. It was made by the German vehicle manufacturer Audi AG in 2006.
The Audi R8 is exclusively designed, developed, and fabricated by Audi AG’s personal subsidiary company manufacturing high-performance automotive parts, Audi Sport GmbH (previously quattro GmbH), and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and currently the Lamborghini Huracan platform. The basic construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, and employs an aluminum monocoque that’s constructed using space framework principles. The vehicle is made by Audi Sport GmbH at a recently renovated factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.
The Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car first appeared in the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show and the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
The Audi R8 development program started in 2004 with the design being frozen and approved for production. In 2005, Audi announced that the title of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a recent road car in 2007. The R8 street car was formally launched at the Paris Auto Show 2006. There was some confusion with the title, which the automobile shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP). 6-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx explained the R8 as “the best handling road car today.”
The Audi R8 is also the first production car with full-LED headlamps.
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2018 Audi R8 Updates
The 2018 Audi R8 Coupe, which shares approximately 50 percent of the exact components, including the V10 engine, with the R8 LMS racecar, now also features recent design features along with more standard features. New for 2018, all R8 models will come standard equipped with Audi smartphone interface for compatible devices.
A recently available Black optic package includes 20-inch, 10-spoke-Y design forged wheels and tires at high gloss Anthracite complete with summer tires, gloss black exhaust tips, Mythos black side blades (V10 models only) and Titanium Black exterior model. Total LED headlights with Audi laser light can be found on V10 versions and are standard equipment on the V10 plus.
Added interior enhancements for your 2018 model year include conventional Anthracite high-gloss inlays on V10 versions and conventional Carbon sigma high-gloss inlays on V10 Plus versions. Audi Sport badging on front grille replaces the Quattro badge on most of the R8 versions, and Audi Sport puddle lights (visible when driver or passenger door is open) are now standard on all 2018 Audi R8 Coupes.
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2018 Audi R8 Coupe Configurations
The 2018 Audi R8 is available as a coupe or hardtop convertible. Apart from the folding roof, the coupe and convertible are basically the same in terms of standard equipment. The only exception is that the rear-wheel-drive V10 RWS S tronic can only be configured as a coupe. A performance-oriented V10 Plus Quattro S tronic spec is available for both coupe and convertible that provides more horsepower and a lower weight but sacrifices some comfort in exchange for speed.
V10 RWS S tronic
Highlights:
- 5.2-liter FSI dual-injection V10
- 532 hp/398 lb-ft of torque
- Sport-tuned fixed suspension
- Audi virtual cockpit (12.3″ LCD fully digital instrument cluster)
- MMI® Navigation plus with a voice control system
MSRP – $138,700
The R8 lineup begins with the Coupe RWS, that is the modern rear-wheel-drive edition. It employs the identical 5.2-liter V10 (532 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque) and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as the AWD, non-Plus R8. Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels and tires, black exhaust tips, LED head- and taillights, a fixed sport suspension, keyless entry and ignition, 14-way heated leather seats, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Information and entertainment features include an electronic instrument cluster, navigation, satellite radio, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Past 20-inch wheels and tires and decorative inlays, optional features for the Audi R8 RWS include a Premium Package that adds 18-way power-adjustable chairs with pneumatic side and leg lifts, a microfiber suede headliner, a 13-speaker and 550-watt audio system, added leather upholstery, automatic high-beams, and illuminated door sills.
V10 Quattro S tronic
Highlights:
- 5.2-liter FSI dual-injection V10
- 532 hp/398 lb-ft of torque
- Audi magnetic ride
- Audi virtual cockpit (12.3″ LCD fully digital instrument cluster)
- MMI® Navigation plus with a voice control system
MSRP – $164,900
The AWD R8 V10 includes the exact features as the RWS equipped with the Premium package. Additionally, it has adaptive suspension springs and shocks, front and rear spoiler, and flexible drive settings. The Spyder adds a folding soft top and a glass wind blocker.
Available options for the R8 are basically limited to unique wheels and tires and extra interior model and upholstery options, though carbon-ceramic brakes, laser-enhanced LED headlights and a variable ratio steering system are also offered.
V10 Plus Quattro S tronic
Highlights:
- 5.2-liter FSI® dual-injection V10
- 602 hp/413 lb-ft of torque
- Audi ceramic brakes
- Carbon fiber engine, mirrors, spoiler, diffuser, sideblades, and fixed rear spoiler
- Full LED headlights with Audi laser high beam technology
MSRP – $194,400
The 2018 Audi R8 Plus Coupe ups the race-derived V10 engine’s output to 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque and also gains the carbon-ceramic brakes and laser headlights as standard equipment. Additionally, it sports a more stiffly tuned suspension which lacks the adjustable springs and shocks. In the name of saving weight, it’s a slightly smaller gas tank, a five-speaker sound system and racing-style chairs that lack backrest-angle adjustment.
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More About The 2018 Audi R8 Coupe
The 2018 Audi R8 Coupe (in any configuration) is an excellent luxury sports car, which may still be underselling it. Its normal V10 engine puts out a ridiculous amount of power, and there is a much more souped-up version available. Pinpoint steering, powerful brakes, and regular Quattro all-wheel drive prepare it to strike any stretch of street. As this is an Audi, the inside is beautiful and the technical features are user-friendly. But like many sports cars, the R8 is short on practicality. There are only two chairs and not much cargo space, even though it still has more space than some competitors do. Its reliability score is below average.
Interior
Audi interiors are always amazing, and as the elite Audi, the R8 boasts a superbly styled and laid-out cockpit. There is the 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, in the event, the V10’s tune somehow bothers you. The inviting and comfortable seats are coated in Nappa leather, and the R8 now includes Audi’s MMI navigation system. The multi-function steering wheel incorporates lots of the street/track works, and Audi’s excellent digital Cockpit replaces physical indicators with a high-res 12.3-inch display that shows data chosen by the driver. The R8 V10 Plus Includes racing-shell seats.
Exterior
The 2018 Audi R8 does not have the immediate emotional effect of exotics from Italy or England. Nevertheless, its distinctive grille and headlights make it unmistakably Audi. This creation R8 employs nearly 50 percent of its components with the R8 LMS race car, yet it is visually like its predecessor. The low, wide stance and choice of soft or hard top stay, though Audi has decreased the profile of the “blade” on the side to some more subtle contrasting air-intake panel. Opt for V10 Plus over V10, and you receive ceramic brakes, a sport exhaust, carbon-fiber rear diffuser and fixed spoiler.
How much does it cost to insure an Audi R8?
While the Audi R8 is among the cheaper supercars, it is a significant investment that needs to be protected on and off the street. Normally, automobile insurance for a 2018 Audi R8 prices $197 per month — or $2,364 annually. Although this is roughly $1,000 greater than the national average, it is a fairly reasonable estimate considering the number of factors can influence the price of car insurance. While the R8 is designed for functionality and has the capacity to be driven at high speeds, sports cars are stolen much less than sedans, which might help to keep insurance rates down.
2018 Audi R8 Coupe: Final Thoughts
Audi couples its reputation for high tech, elegant and comfortable interiors with the type of supercar performance normally associated with Lamborghini. It is a combination that leads to a car that is simultaneously thrilling to drive, yet eminently comfortable for everyday use.
While aggressively styled, the Audi R8 does not possess the universally beloved standout styling of a Ferrari or Lamborghini. And, despite Audi’s many racing successes, that pedigree is not as widely recognized. There is also no manual transmission. If you do not want all-wheel drive, get the Rear Wheel Series (RWS).