2021 Audi R8 Coupe

History/Overview

Audi's R8 has been the company's flagship for more than a decade. Developed along with Lamborghini, the car was a mid-engine rocket ship that took Audi from sports brand to serious performance for the first time in years. While there's an open-top version available, this one is the fixed-roof coupe.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The big change this year is a new rear-drive trim, which is an unusual choice for Audi, but a good one for drivers wanting more sideways. Since that's now the base model, Audi has added a carbon fibre sideblade, wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen audio, sport exhaust, and dynamic steering to the entry V10 quattro version.

Available Trims

All R8 coupes use a 5.2L V10 and a seven-speed automatic. The rear-drive model is rear-drive, and the V10 quattro and V10 performance quattro trims get all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

For V10 RWD, the R8 gets 19-inch alloys, fixed suspension, LED head and tails, and a black sideblade. Nappa leather seats and Audi's virtual cockpit are inside, and those seats are heated. Cruise control and digital climate control are standard. V10 quattro adds magnetic ride, sport exhaust, and dynamic steering as well as 20-inch wheels. For comfort, it adds more interior leather, Bang & Olufsen audio, wireless charging, and extra controls on the steering wheel.

V10 Performance quattro adds LED laser headlights, sport suspension, carbon engine cover, mirror housings, and spoilers, along with ceramic brakes. It also comes with a fuel tank 10L smaller, but the full 83L tank is available as an option.

Key Options

All three trims offer diamond stitched leather 18-way power-adjustable sport seats, and an extended leather interior with Alcantara headliner. Carbon ceramic brakes are an option on V10 quattro.

Fuel Economy

Audi hasn't revealed 2021 fuel economy numbers yet, but expect numbers close to the 17.5 L/100 km city, 11.7 highway of 2020, with slightly better efficiency for the RWD model.

Competition

The R8 Coupe competes with cars ranging from the C8 Corvette all the way to the Lamborghini Aventador, it's a wide field that also includes the Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin DBS and DB11, and the Ferrari 488.