Audi R8 review – performance and 0-60 time
The R8 doesn't feel as ballistic as it once did against modern turbocharged rivals, but its V10 engine is a masterpiece
With sophisticated launch control and rapid-shifting gearboxes, all R8s can record rapid 0-62mph times – 3.7sec for the RWDs, 3.4sec for the RWD GT and 3.1sec for the R8 V10 Performance. The R8 V10 and R8 V10 Plus of 2015 were only marginally tardier, managing 0-62mph in 3.4 and 3.2sec, with top speeds of 198 and 205mph respectively.
Audi quotes top speeds for the later cars, of 201mph for the RWD and 205mph for the V10 Performance. The RWD GT falls just shy of 200mph due to its draggier high downforce aero setup. The Spyder versions of the RWD and Quattro reach 62mph just 0.1sec slower than their coupe counterparts, with 1mph slower top speeds. Although the Quattro offers higher performance than the rear-drive model on paper with a significant increase in power, the result isn’t that noticeable on the road.
The scintillating engine creates such a vibrant environment in the cabin that ultimate performance is forgotten about. It sounds spectacular even with the standard exhaust, although there was an optional sports exhaust.
Being normally aspirated rather than turbocharged the R8’s V10 engine does need to be worked hard to deliver its best, but that isn’t a criticism by any means. In fact, hearing the exhaust note build to a crescendo as the rev needle swings past 8500rpm just once is enough to make you regret the industry’s shift towards turbocharging. The R8 might lack the thumping torque output of turbocharged and hybridised rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S and McLaren Artura , but with so much power on tap it never feels anything less than frantically quick in a straight line.
