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Audi R8

Audi’s first mid-engine supercar: 45,949 built before the March 2024 finale.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • Tony Stark’s carHeard from onlookers during an R8 Spyder road test in Los Angeles.2

At a glance

0400800
414–611 hpPower
0175350
250–331 km/hTop speed
05001,000
430–919 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,525–1,795 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.48911

Engine
Type 42: 4.2 L V8/5.2 L V10; Type 4S: 5.2 L V10 or two motors (e-tron)489
Layout
Longitudinal mid-engine; all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive8
Gearbox
Gen 1: gated 6MT, 6-speed R tronic or 7-speed DCT; gen 2 V10: 7-speed DCT1410
Built at
Neckarsulm plant; Audi Böllinger Höfe, Heilbronn, Germany14
Units built
45,949 total; production ended March 20241

The story

Audi’s first mid-engine supercar arrived in 2006 to enter Ferrari and Porsche territory. Developed and built by quattro GmbH, the original R8 combined a dry-sump V8 with everyday usability.13

2006: Paris debut with a mid-mounted V820062010: GT coupé: 100 kg lighter20102012: S tronic replaces single-clutch R tronic20122014: LMX brings laser high beams20142015: Type 4S drops the V8 and manual20152017: V10 Plus: 2.9 seconds to 60 mph20172019: Europe: 611 hp and a new name20192022: 333 GT RWDs, seven Torque Rear levels20222024: March 22: production ends2024 Audi Le Mans quattro: 2003Audi R8 (Type 42): 2006–2015Type 42Audi R8 (Type 4S): 2014–2024Type 4S 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1491019
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003Audi Le Mans quattro
2006–2015Audi R8 (Type 42)
2014–2024Audi R8 (Type 4S)
2006Paris debut with a mid-mounted V8
2010GT coupé: 100 kg lighter
2012S tronic replaces single-clutch R tronic
2014LMX brings laser high beams
2015Type 4S drops the V8 and manual
2017V10 Plus: 2.9 seconds to 60 mph
2019Europe: 611 hp and a new name
2022333 GT RWDs, seven Torque Rear levels
2024March 22: production ends
  1. 2006

    Paris debut with a mid-mounted V8

    Audi’s first mid-engine supercar premieres at the Paris Motor Show with a 4.2 L V8 behind the passenger compartment.1

  2. 2010

    GT coupé: 100 kg lighter

    The GT coupé sheds 100 kg to weigh 1,525 kg and makes 552 hp. Production is capped at 333 coupés, with another 333 for the later GT Spyder.4

  3. 2012

    S tronic replaces single-clutch R tronic

    The facelift trades six-speed single-clutch R tronic for seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic and adds the 542-hp V10 Plus.456

  4. 2014

    LMX brings laser high beams

    Limited to 99 cars, the LMX introduces production laser high beams and a 562-hp V10; Ara Blue paint echoes the blue-tinged light.17

  5. 2015

    Type 4S drops the V8 and manual

    The Huracán-based Type 4S launches with V10 power and a seven-speed dual clutch, losing the V8 and manual. A production e-tron joins it.189

  6. 2017

    V10 Plus: 2.9 seconds to 60 mph

    Tests clock the 2017 V10 Plus at 2.9 seconds to 60 mph with 610 hp; the 540-hp V10 Spyder takes 3.2 seconds.210

  7. 2019

    Europe: 611 hp and a new name

    V10 Plus becomes V10 performance quattro for the European facelift. Output rises to 611 hp, while the V10 quattro gets 562 hp.911

  8. 2022

    333 GT RWDs, seven Torque Rear levels

    The 611-hp GT RWD pairs rear-wheel drive with seven Torque Rear settings. Just 333 are built, with a carbon aerokit and swan-neck rear wing.112

  9. 2024

    March 22: production ends

    R8 production ends on March 22 at Böllinger Höfe. Total output from the Neckarsulm and Böllinger Höfe plants reaches 45,949.1

Every generation

  • Audi Le Mans quattro
    Audi Le Mans quattro2003
  • Audi R8
    Type 422006–2015
  • Audi R8
    Type 4S2014–2024

Power over the years

From 414 hp to 611 hp in 13 years.

0200400600800 2005201020152020 hp 2006 · 414 hp · 4.2 FSI V82009 · 518 hp · 5.2 FSI V102011 · 424 hp · UK V8 (MY2011)2012 · 542 hp · V10 Plus2012 · 552 hp · GT (2012 model year)2014 · 562 hp · LMX2015 · 532 hp · Type 4S V102015 · 570 hp · US competition (2015)2015 · 601 hp · Type 4S V10 Plus2019 · 562 hp · V10 quattro (Europe)2019 · 611 hp · V10 performance quattro (Europe)2022 · 611 hp · V10 GT RWD 611 hp V10 performance quattro (Europe) 414 hp 4.2 FSI V8
1458911121314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20064144.2 FSI V8
20095185.2 FSI V10
2011424UK V8 (MY2011)
2012542V10 Plus
2012552GT (2012 model year)
2014562LMX
2015532Type 4S V10
2015570US competition (2015)
2015601Type 4S V10 Plus
2019562V10 quattro (Europe)
2019611V10 performance quattro (Europe)
2022611V10 GT RWD

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Type 42 V8 / V10 Coupe and Spyder

    2006–2015

  • Performance

    Type 4S V10 / V10 plus / performance quattro

    2015–2024

  • RWS / V10 RWD / V10 performance RWD

    Performance

    RWS / V10 RWD / V10 performance RWD

  • GT Coupe / GT Spyder / GT RWD

    Limited

    GT Coupe / GT Spyder / GT RWD

  • Limited

    Edition Audi Sport / Green Hell / Selection 24h

    2016–2020

  • Limited

    V8 Limited Edition / Exclusive Selection / China editions

  • LMX

    Limited

    LMX

    2014

    562 hp

    99 built

  • R8 e-tron

    Special

    R8 e-tron

    2015

    456 hp

  • Limited

    R8 competition

    2015

    570 hp

    60 built

  • Limited

    Star of Lucis

    2016

    1 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Type 42 coupes: contrasting sideblades frame the engine air scoops behind the doors.349
  • Type 4S coupes: split sideblades sit beside the rear side windows and below the beltline.9
  • Second-generation Spyder: contrasting sideblades cap the side air intakes.2

Year by year

  1. 2010 (Type 42 V10 Spyder)

    The V10 Spyder brings a fabric roof and omits the coupe's sideblades.4

  2. 2012 facelift (Type 42)

    New front and rear lights, a more angular grille and round exhaust outlets across the range.6

  3. 2015 (Type 4S)

    Sideblades split into two panels; Virtual Cockpit combines instruments and infotainment in the driver's display.916

  4. 2016–2017 Spyder

    The new Spyder gains contrasting sideblades above its air intakes, unlike the first-generation open car.249

  5. 2019 Europe; 2020 US

    The facelift front gets a wider, flatter grille and three small horizontal intakes above it.8911

  6. 2019 facelift

    A full-width rear grille and oval exhausts arrive; V10 plus becomes V10 performance quattro.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi R8
    R8
    Photo of a Lamborghini Gallardo
    Lamborghini Gallardo

    Lamborghini Gallardo

    The original R8 has a longer wheelbase and a more forward cabin; look for the Audi's contrasting sideblades.313

  • R8 V10 Limited Edition / China Edition

    The gold V10 Limited Edition copies GT styling but uses regular V10 mechanicals; China Edition also borrows the GT look.6

  • Photo of a Audi R8
    R8
    Photo of a R8 with Performance Parts / Competition Pack
    R8 with Performance Parts / Competition Pack

    R8 with Performance Parts / Competition Pack

    The 2018 accessory package can mimic the later GT: wings, splitters, canards and wheels are shared visual cues.16

Against its rivals

  • Aston Martin V-8 Vantage (2007)

    R8 vs Aston Martin V-8 Vantage (2007)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    R84.3 s
    Aston Martin V-8 Vantage (2007)5.1 s
    3
  • Porsche 911 Turbo (2007)

    R8 vs Porsche 911 Turbo (2007)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    R84.3 s
    Porsche 911 Turbo (2007)3.8 s
    3
  • Porsche 911 GT3 (991)

    R8 vs Porsche 911 GT3 (991)

    UK price lower is better

    R8112,450 £
    Porsche 911 GT3 (991)113,857 £
    17

Prices

Value today $83.0K–$134.0K2324

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$100K$200K$300K 2010201520202025 Value today: $83,000–$134,000 2008 · $109,720 · US base, V8 manual2008 · $120,970 · US as tested, V8 manual2012 · $196,800 · US base, GT2017 · $177,650 · US base, V10 Spyder2017 · $191,550 · US as tested, V10 Spyder2017 · $192,450 · US base, V10 Plus2017 · $202,750 · US as tested, V10 Plus 2008 · $109,720 · US base price, 2008 model year 2023 · $159,000 · 2017 V10 Plus coupe, 16k miles, clean Carfax, Bring a Trailer2024 · $259,000 · 2023 V10 GT, 901 miles, BaT2025 · $182,500 · 2023 V10 Performance Quattro, 2,800 miles, BaT2025 · $67,500 · 2009 V8 R-tronic, 43k miles, BaT2026 · $83,000 · 2015 V10 S tronic, 39k miles, damage history, Bring a Trailer2026 · $134,000 · 2011 V10 manual coupe, 23k miles, clean Carfax, Bring a Trailer2026 · $95,500 · 2008 V8 manual coupe, 18k miles, modified, Bring a Trailer2026 · $123,000 · 2018 V10 RWS coupe, 38k miles, BaT2026 · $86,500 · 2009 V8 6-speed manual, 23k miles, BaT2026 · $140,000 · 2011 V10 Spyder 6-speed manual, 18k miles, BaT $259.0K BaT, 2024
23102324262728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2008Launch price$109,720US base price, 2008 model year
2008Price when new$109,720US base, V8 manual
2008Price when new$120,970US as tested, V8 manual
2012Price when new$196,800US base, GT
2017Price when new$177,650US base, V10 Spyder
2017Price when new$191,550US as tested, V10 Spyder
2017Price when new$192,450US base, V10 Plus
2017Price when new$202,750US as tested, V10 Plus
2023Auction sale$159,0002017 V10 Plus coupe, 16k miles, clean Carfax, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$259,0002023 V10 GT, 901 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$182,5002023 V10 Performance Quattro, 2,800 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$67,5002009 V8 R-tronic, 43k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$83,0002015 V10 S tronic, 39k miles, damage history, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$134,0002011 V10 manual coupe, 23k miles, clean Carfax, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$95,5002008 V8 manual coupe, 18k miles, modified, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$123,0002018 V10 RWS coupe, 38k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$86,5002009 V8 6-speed manual, 23k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$140,0002011 V10 Spyder 6-speed manual, 18k miles, BaT
2026Value today$83,000–$134,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “8:09.099 with a production-car caveat”
    • “5 Le Mans wins behind the R8 badge”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. The Audi R8: a captivating legend | audi.com audi.com
  2. Tested: Audi R8 Spyder Only Goes Soft Overhead caranddriver.com
  3. Tested: 2008 Audi R8 vs. Aston Martin Vantage vs. Porsche 911 Turbo caranddriver.com
  4. Audi R8 (Type 42) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Used Audi R8 (Mk1, 2007 - 2015) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  6. Audi R8 (type 42): álle versies op een rij autoblog.nl
  7. Audi R8 LMX debuts laser headlights | evo evo.co.uk
  8. Audi R8 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. Audi R8 (Type 4S) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  11. The new Audi R8 | audi.com audi.com
  12. Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD – high performance in zijn puurste vorm nieuws.audi.nl
  13. The Complete V8 Audi R8 Buying Guide rushmagazine.co.uk
  14. 2015 Audi R8 Competition - Images, Specifications and Information ultimatecarpage.com
  15. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.44 brings 3 new cars, an extra Café Menu, 3 World Circuit Events, and more – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  16. Audi R8 (Type 4S): álle versies op een rij! autoblog.nl
  17. Audi R8 RWS (2018) review – does rear-wheel drive add to the appeal? | evo evo.co.uk
  18. 「KINGSGLAIVE FINAL FANTASY XV」に登場する新型 Audi R8「The Audi R8 Star of Lucis」の一台限定販売が決定 | SQUARE ENIX jp.square-enix.com
  19. Audi Le Mans quattro - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. I Had a Chat With the Audi R8's Designer and He Drew Me This Sweet Sketch thedrive.com
  21. Year by year: the most important successes of Audi Sport customer racing | audi.com audi.com
  22. Audi R8 E-Tron laps 'Ring in record-setting 8:09, celebrates silently - Autoblog autoblog.com
  23. 2015 Audi R8 V10 Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $83,000 on March 29, 2026 (Lot #235,546) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. 23k-Mile 2011 Audi R8 Coupe V10 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $134,000 on April 13, 2026 (Lot #237,579) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. Used Audi R8 (Mk2, 2015-2023) review: a V10-powered masterpiece | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. The New 2012 Audi R8 GT prnewswire.com
  27. 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $159,000 on January 7, 2023 (Lot #95,300) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 18k-Mile 2008 Audi R8 Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $95,500 on September 1, 2026 (Lot #260,895) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 43k-Mile 2009 Audi R8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $67,500 on May 12, 2025 (Lot #191,288) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2023 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe Quattro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $182,500 on October 15, 2025 (Lot #214,986) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 901-Mile 2023 Audi R8 V10 GT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $259,000 on December 17, 2024 (Lot #174,349) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS Coupe for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $123,000 on October 7, 2026 (Lot #267,150) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 23k-Mile 2009 Audi R8 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $86,500 on August 13, 2026 (Lot #257,660) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 18k-Mile 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $140,000 on June 25, 2026 (Lot #249,497) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • audi.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • autoblog.nl
  • evo.co.uk
  • nieuws.audi.nl
  • rushmagazine.co.uk
  • ultimatecarpage.com
  • blog.playstation.com
  • jp.square-enix.com
  • thedrive.com
  • autoblog.com
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

Other car files