Audi R8 2019: prices, specification and release date

This is the new 2019 Audi R8, a restyled and mechanically refreshed replacement for Audi’s high-performance flagship supercar. The new car keeps the outgoing model’s 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine but with increased power and improved economy. The new R8 is on sale now, with prices starting from £128,200 for the coupe or £136,890 for the Spyder convertible.

Two versions of the new Audi R8 will be offered from launch – the R8 and the R8 Performance – with the latter replacing the V10 Plus as the most powerful option; both will be available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) body styles.

2019 Audi R8 engines and specification

The standard R8 gets 562bhp, up from 533bhp in the outgoing car, while the new R8 Performance gets 612bhp, up from 602bhp in the V10 Plus. The standard car manages 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds (3.5 for the Spyder), with both models breaking the 200mph barrier for the first time.

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The Performance model lowers the 0-62mph time to 3.1 seconds (3.2 for the Spyder), with increased top speeds of 205mph and 204mph for the Coupe and Spyder respectively. All Audi R8 models will continue to come as standard with quattro four-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

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The Audi R8 gets upgrades to its suspension and steering for 2019, along with more pronounced differences between the car’s comfort, auto, dynamic and individual driving modes. The Audi R8 V10 Performance adds dry, wet and snow programmes to that list, which, as part of the Performance driving mode mode, help adjust the car’s behaviour to the grip levels of the road. Audi claims that the new R8’s electronic stability control (ESC) has been improved, helping to reduce the car’s stopping distance from 62mph by 1.5 metres and from 124mph by five metres.

Design

The new Audi R8 retains the same overall proportions of the outgoing car but gets a range of new styling features to help modernise its design. The car’s grille has been made larger, with small air inlets on its upper edge that echo those first seen on the new Audi A1 supermini. The car’s iconic side intakes have been redesigned, while the rear end features a full-width air vent and a larger, upswept rear diffuser.

Three exterior design packages are available to choose from, depending on which model is selected. These add highlights to the car’s splitter, side trim and diffuser; high-gloss black is standard on the entry model, with top-spec performance models getting a matte titanium finish. An optional gloss carbon fibre pack is also offered.

Inside, the new Audi R8’s interior will be largely familiar to owners of the outgoing model. A range of new trim colour options is offered, but the design remains much the same as before.