The Audi R8 gets a makeover: new design and more power for the German supercar

Just like many segments of the motoring world, supercars have also been subjected to various technological changes that mainly affect their mechanics. Nevertheless, we still find brands bold enough to keep betting on pure performance, without giving up on the contemporary innovations sweeping through this sector we love so much. The Audi R8 finds itself in this situation: a model that has stayed true to its principles but has just undergone a restyling to improve not only its design, but also its mechanics.

The four-ring supercar has remained at the very top of this segment throughout its long life, but Audi has decided to apply a series of changes to keep its good reputation fully intact. Although the R8’s design did not look outdated to our eyes, the German firm has modified both its exterior design and its mechanics on the coupé and spyder bodywork.

The new design language applied to the Audi R8

As we have seen in the brand’s latest models, Audi is betting on a younger and bolder design, which we can see in the new A1 and Q3 and which has also made its way onto the R8. The German supercar features a new front and a new rear, characterised by sharper, fresher lines, giving the Audi model a modern look that shouts sportiness from every angle.

The front is governed by the already familiar singleframe grille, a unique hexagonal grille that conveys a rugged and aggressive character. The front splitter is one of the elements that has received the most changes, offering a significant aerodynamic improvement. On one hand, there are two new air intakes flanked by side gills that considerably enhance the R8’s styling. At the same time, small notches can be seen at the end of the front bonnet, which are quickly reminiscent of those on the new A1 and are inspired by the emblematic Audi Quattro.

As for the side of the Audi supercar, we don’t see major changes compared with the previous version, but it is at the rear where the designers have let their imagination run wild. One of the main changes at the rear is the exhaust tailpipes, as Audi has decided to bring back the rounded outlets that characterised the most powerful variant of the first-generation R8.

The two side panels at the rear, designed to cool the engine, have been replaced by a single strip, which runs from end to end across the rear of the 2019 Audi R8. As if that weren’t enough, the rear diffuser now features a new upward-pointing orientation for better aerodynamic performance. The engine has also been modified, as it now incorporates a new three-element cover that can be finished in plastic or carbon fibre.

Last but not least, Audi has wanted to expand the colour palette for the R8, allowing new shades such as Kemora Grey and Ascari Blue. To make the German supercar even more customisable, the four-ring firm will let customers choose between three different equipment packs depending on the engine.

Goodbye V10 Plus, hello V10 Performance

As we mentioned, the changes to the Audi R8 are not limited to the styling, but also extend to the mechanics. The charismatic 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine remains the undisputed star of the R8, but the German firm has decided to tweak it to extract even more power.

It is already customary for Audi to let customers choose between two power levels when configuring their ideal R8. Until now this was represented by the standard V10 and the V10 Plus, but the four-ring firm has decided to change the naming. From now on the Performance badge will denote the most extreme version of the R8, delivering 620 CV of power compared with the 610 CV of the previous variant.

This change can also be seen in the entry-level R8 variant, which goes from 540 CV to 570, a figure that will make a significant difference. But all this horsepower also needs to be stopped, so Audi has improved the braking system -which of course remains carbon-ceramic- and enabled the new Audi R8 to go from 100 km/h to 0 in 1.5 metres less than before and from 200 km/h to 0 in 5 metres less, distances that are noticeable not only on the track but also on the road.

Available from 2019

The new Audi R8 is here to stay and, although it shares many similarities with the first version of this second generation, its notable changes aim to mark a before and after. Early next year the German firm will open the order books for its updated supercar, with the aim of remaining among the most desirable in its segment.

In this way, Audi continues to demonstrate its clear desire to champion the radical and the purest, where the ultimate expression of both qualities is, without a doubt, a supercar with a naturally aspirated engine. For now we do not know the prices of the Audi R8 restyling, but we will soon have more details from the four-ring firm.