The second-generation Audi R8 is getting a refresh this year, one that will serve up some new looks but will keep the recipe relatively stable since the current version’s debut back in 2015. The 5.2-liter V10 will still provide the power in Ingolstadt’s updated halo model, power that will be getting a boost for the 2019 model year, while an updated exterior will make it easy to identify this R8 on the road.
The front fascia has been completely redesigned, adopting a wider appearance along with a series of vertical wings extending to the front spoiler, in addition to a narrow three-sectioned inlet just above the hexagonal grille meant to evoke the fascia of the early Quattro cars. The result is a busier and larger front fascia, with honeycomb-pattern black plastic filling in most of the grille surfaces. Perhaps the most curious part of this reworked visage are the triangular sections bookending the honeycomb-mesh inlets near the grille, carving out relatively narrow visual spaces that make the front fascia appear more expansive rather than slimmer.
The honeycomb mesh pattern continues out back, seemingly filling every surface that isn’t the license plate niche or the taillights. It’s a bolder, more unified look that shares some visual elements with the Lamborghini Gallardo.
Power is up in the naturally aspirated V10 that will now churn out an estimated 562 hp and 406 b-ft of torque, gaining about 30 hp and 8 lb-ft over the outgoing model — it’s clear that the R8 is feeling the effect of newcomers like the McLaren 570S. The result is a 3.4-second launch from a standstill to 62 mph for the coupe and a 3.5-second launch for the slightly heavier spyder, in addition to top speeds of 201 mph and 200 mph, respectively.
“It’s now even more powerful and faster,” said Oliver Hoffmann, technical managing director of Audi Sport GmbH. “Motorsport is part of our DNA. With around 50 percent shared parts with the R8 LMS GT3, no other automobile is so close to motor racing as the R8.”
Front and rear fascias have been updated with this refresh.
The R8 V10 Performance model, meanwhile, is expected to notch it up to 611 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, according to Autocar. (Audi hasn’t announced the official performance specs just yet.)
Ingolstadt has also tweaked the suspension and the steering, aiming to increase feedback from the road while also adding three additional drive select modes, depending on engine choice. Dry, wet and snow will now be a part of the menu for the R8’s performance model, varying the dynamic parameters to the friction coefficient of the road surface.
“R8 customers can choose from up to three exterior packages, depending on the engine variant; these packages add various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser,” the automaker said. “As an option, the Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black. The new metallic colors Kemora gray and Ascari blue add to the paint range. The Audi exclusive range gives customers the opportunity to customize many details of their Audi R8 — inside and out.”
The refreshed R8 will go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2019.