What kind of car is the 2022 Audi R8? What does it compare to?

A V-10-powered mid-engine supercar, the Audi R8 is a dying breed. Based on the Lamborghini Huracán, the R8 comes as a coupe or roadster, both of which deliver beautiful looks to go with thrilling handling and acceleration. The R8 competes against rivals such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche 911.

Is the 2022 Audi R8 a good car?

Review continues below

The R8 is a wonderful supercar with a price that is out of reach for most buyers. It sports elegant looks that are almost restrained for a mid-engine sports car and it performs well on both the road and the track. We rate it a 5.8 out of 10 overall. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What’s new for the 2021 Audi R8?

The rear-wheel-drive R8 introduced last year becomes the R8 Performance RWD and gets a power increase from 532 to 562 hp and 398 to 406 lb-ft of torque. Audi is also offering two packages for the new model. A Sport exhaust package has a sport exhaust with black tips and performance driving modes, while the Dynamic package has carbon-ceramic brakes, unique wheels, and racing shell seats upholstered in nappa leather. 

The R8’s mid-engine design has a serious but elegant look. The cab-forward stance creates good sight lines from the driver seat and the wide rear haunches are highlighted by signature black side blades that double as air intakes. Inside, the R8 has a simple design so oriented around the driver that there’s no center screen, just a digital instrument cluster that also handles infotainment.

An aluminum and carbon-fiber tub along with the mid-engine design give the R8 strong bones. It adds up to great weight balance for crisp, track-ready handling and sudden, thrilling acceleration. The quick steering provides wonderful feedback, and the ride isn’t too firm to drive the car on a regular basis. 

That platform makes room for a 5.2-liter V-10 behind the driver teamed with a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. In its base form, the V-10 makes 562 hp and at the top end it spins out 602 hp. Both versions sing a deep, throaty tune that is one of the delights of owning an R8. Fuel economy isn’t one of those delights as the R8 gets just 17 mpg combined, or 16 mpg with all-wheel drive.

How much does the 2021 Audi R8 cost?

The 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD coupe starts at $147,995. That includes such features as nappa upholstery, heated power seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and summer tires on 20-inch alloy wheels. While the 2022 Audi R8 has front and rear parking sensors, it lacks important active safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control. Pricing ranges past $200,000 for the R8 V10 Performance roadster.

Where is the Audi R8 made?

The R8 is built in Germany.

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