Used 2021 Audi R8

The 2021 Audi R8 upholds its reign as king of the understated supercars, an easy title to maintain since its Italian alternatives are so wild-eyed. First launched in 2006, the R8’s shared underpinnings with the Lamborghini Gallardo (and later, Huracan) made it a kinder, gentler alternative to the snorty Lambo. While the R8 still upholds its naturally aspirated V10, the sound isn’t quite as shocking as its saucier counterpart. The R8’s move to a dual-clutch (not single-clutch) automatic gearbox, not to mention the eventual demise of its manual transmission, furthers its reputation as a user-friendly exotic that can be enjoyed every day.

Audi has thankfully kept some edge to the R8 by adding rear-wheel-drive versions as a member of the standard production portfolio, and that’s just as well: while some may use the quattro all-wheel-drive system to justify the 6-figure supercar to their significant others, the rear-drive variant satisfies the purists seeking a tad more character.

If ever there were a car that drives exactly how it looks, the Audi R8 would be it. Sure, the specs are bruising: 0 to 60 mph in as little 3.2 seconds and a top speed of up to 205 mph. But the prevailing feeling behind the wheel is one of refined athleticism, producing driving dynamics that are as finely modulated as the 2-seater’s elegant bodywork.

The naturally aspirated, 5.2-liter V10 could have been tuned for an ear-splitting exhaust note. However, power delivery and volume level are surprisingly livable. Producing 532 hp in standard form or 602 hp in so-called ‘Performance’ trim, the powerplant pairs seamlessly with a 7-speed S tronic transmission, a dual-clutch gearbox that delivers smooth, quick shifts. Handling is intuitive and accurate, and ride quality manages to be firm but not punishing.

The 2021 Audi R8’s on-road demeanor manages to strike a rare balance between track-worthy and road-trip capable, putting it in rare company with streetable supercars like the Porsche 911 Turbo, and to a lesser extent, swift grand tourers like the BMW M8.

The 2021 Audi R8’s cabin combines stark, simple ergonomics with techy features that bring it into the 21^st century. Front and center is the so-called Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch screen that serves as a customizable instrument panel. The display replicates analog gauges and includes Audi’s MMI GPS overlay, which uses Google map data. And speaking of Google, the R8’s infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Napa leather sport seats are standard on the R8, while optional trim adds an Alcantara headliner, an extended leather package, and carbon fiber accents. Available racing shell seats retain the plush Napa leather trim, but can’t be reclined— making them suitable for only the most dedicated enthusiasts.

Though understated, the Audi R8’s silhouette still looks the supercar part. This is thanks in part to a mid-engine configuration that enables a tapered nose and a sleek rear deck. While the 1st-generation R8 featured so-called blades that spanned the vertical space behind the doors, the latest model, released in 2015, trades blades for air intakes that form a pronounced scoop just ahead of the rear wheels. Optional packages spruce up the exterior with carbon fiber.

Premium standard features include attractive 20-inch wheels, LED headlights with laser components, and even LED lights to illuminate the engine compartment so the meaty V10 can be shown off to admirers. A convertible Spyder model loses the engine’s peekaboo view and trades the expansive rear deck for a folding fabric roof that can disappear in 20 seconds, adding 97 lbs of weight.

STEALTH SPEED
While the Audi R8 is undeniably sleek, there’s nothing about this supercar that seems haughty or pretentious. Cruising at sedate speeds, you might even come across as a thinking person’s enthusiast— but nail the throttle, and the R8 turns that idea upside down.

SEATBELT MIC
We’ve all been there: yelling over a sports car’s loud engine or an open window so the person on the other end of the phone can hear us. Because Audi has paid extra care to little annoyances like Bluetooth fails, they’ve placed the R8’s microphone right there on the seatbelt, near your chest. The result is crisp, clear conversations regardless of speed or ambient noise.

The standard-issue R8 is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 producing 532 horsepower driving only the rear wheels. All models come standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and features like drive modes that determine throttle response and how power is routed to the wheels. Also included are LED headlamps and a speed-sensitive rear spoiler.

Inside, items typically optional on lesser cars come standard on the R8, including Nappa leather seating surfaces and the trick Virtual Cockpit, which positions an expansive 12.3-inch screen ahead of the driver.

As you might expect, the Audi R8, which starts at $142,700, boasts a substantial standard equipment list. Not surprisingly, the available options elevate an already lofty sports car with items that make it even more capable and attractive. The biggest decision facing R8 buyers pertains to powertrain: If the 532 horsepower simply isn’t sufficient, opting for the Performance version in coupe or convertible form lifts power output to 602 horsepower. All that energy drives four wheels via quattro technology, rather than the starter model’s rear-drive configuration. The package also adds carbon-ceramic brakes.

While a number of options add carbon-fiber trim inside and out, the Premium package bundles niceties like a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with extended leather and an Alcantara headliner. Those searching for rarity might consider the Panther edition, which offers unique paint, wheels, upholstery, and carbon fiber touches to 30 lucky customers for a steep $40,600.

The Audi R8 offers two powerful engines: a base 5.2-liter V10 producing 532 horsepower and a Performance version that churns 602 horsepower. Unlike the previous model year, for 2021, the lineup pairs the lesser engine with rear-wheel drive and the more powerful one with all-wheel drive quattro. Both powertrains are available in Coupe or Spyder models, and all are paired to Audi’s S tronic transmission, a dual-clutch 7-speed unit with paddle shifters.

5.2-liter V10 (Rear-wheel-drive only)
532 horsepower @ 4,475 rpm
398 lb-ft of torque @ 6,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20 mpg

5.2-liter V10 (Performance; quattro all-wheel drive)
602 horsepower @ 8,100 rpm
413 lb-ft of torque @ 6,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20 mpg