The all-new Audi R8 gets updated features
VIP customer deliveries of the brand-new Audi R8 V10 performance quattro have officially begun in South Africa. The beloved high-performance sports car will be getting a visual update, with sharper design features than before. This will fall part of Audi’s pre-launch strategy as the new revised version of the Audi R8 is set for an official retail launch on the 1st of April 2021.
The Audi R8 will keep its 5.2 FSI V10 engine and will produce a staggering 449kW and 560 Nm of torque. The Coupé will sprint to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds while the Spyder gets there in 3.3 seconds. As standard, the R8 will receive its exclusive sports exhaust system and 7-speed S-tronic transmission. The R8 will also be keeping its well-known Audi drive select modes and will get an additional three programs. These programs include dry, wet and snow, and will form part of the Performance mode.
In terms of exterior changes, the Singleframe radiator grille on the R8 has gotten wider and flatter than before. The new front splitter also gets wider, focusing on a sportier appearance. At the rear, the diffuser gets a more dominant appeal and will frame the new oval exhaust tailpipes. The R8 will ride on 20-inch Audi Sport wheels V-spoke Evo designed wheels and will be available in two colour options - titanium or matte bronze. Ceramic brakes, as well as red calipers, will come as a standard feature too.
The cabin of the R8 has also been revised, getting a more driver-focused feel. New options will include R8 sports seat with fine Nappa leather and diamond stitching. Customers will also be able to select between upholstery colours and will get to choose between red, white, or black. The R8 will get equipped with the latest technology features with its new revised Audi virtual cockpit. This includes a 12.3-inch display that uses Audi’s latest MMI operating system. The MMI operating system is both easy to understand and operates with free text input and a voice control system. Other key standard features include electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key, parking aid plus, a rear-view camera, and a tyre mobility kit with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
As standard, the Audi R8 will offer customers its high-gloss black styling package. This means that the front splitter, the sill trims, and the diffuser will all get finished off in black accents, with an option to upgrade to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts. Both the Audi rings and badges on the exterior will all get painted in high-gloss black too. New metallic colour options will also be available on this package and will range from Kemora grey and Ascari blue.
Pricing
Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro R3,336,000
Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro R3,592,500
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Audi R8 cost in South Africa?
The updated Audi R8 V10 performance quattro starts from around R3,850,000 in South Africa, though final pricing may vary depending on specification and dealer margins.
Q: Is the new Audi R8 worth buying over competitors?
The R8's naturally aspirated V10 engine, 449kW output, and 3.2-second sprint to 100kph make it a brilliant choice if you can afford the R3.8 million price tag, especially considering many rivals use turbocharged engines.
Q: What's the difference between the Audi R8 Coupé and Spyder?
The main difference is the roof, the Coupé has a fixed hard top while the Spyder features a convertible soft top, with the Spyder being 0.1 seconds slower to 100kph at 3.3 seconds.
Q: How much power does the new Audi R8 engine produce?
The 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine produces 449kW and 560Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed S-tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
Q: What new features does the updated Audi R8 have?
Key updates include a wider Singleframe grille, new front splitter, revised rear diffuser with oval exhausts, 20-inch Audi Sport wheels, updated virtual cockpit, and three new driving modes for dry, wet and snow conditions.
Should You Buy It?
The updated Audi R8 V10 performance quattro is absolutely worth considering if you have R3.8 million burning a hole in your pocket and want one of the last naturally aspirated supercars. With 449kW, a 3.2-second sprint to 100kph, and that glorious V10 soundtrack, it's a proper driver's car that'll make every trip to the shops feel like a track day. The visual updates give it a sharper, more aggressive look, while the cabin improvements add welcome luxury touches. Yes, it's expensive, but you're getting genuine supercar performance with Audi's renowned build quality and a powertrain that's becoming increasingly rare in our turbocharged world. If you can afford it and appreciate automotive artistry, the R8 is definitely worth buying.
