Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI Performance RWD S tronic (A) Facelift Review

Wait, another R8? I thought the R8 is dead?

Almost, but not quite just yet.

The R8 is at the end of its life as currently constituted. Audi has already announced that production will end in 2023, a final limited edition GT model has been released (limited to just 333 units worldwide), and an electric version will likely eventually follow.

Unsurprisingly, the brand wants to effectively milk this model for everything it's got. Not surprising, really. You and I would do exactly the same, which is why we now have this 'Performance' variant.

Power bump

What's different? Honestly, very, very little. The key difference is performance. Power has been bumped up to 562bhp and 550Nm of torque (a 30bhp and 10Nm increase). Top speed is slightly higher, though the 3.7 second 0-100km/h timing is the same as the standard model.

Is it quick? Yes, of course, but compared to many of its contemporary supercars the R8 isn't particularly quick. In fact, Audi's baby RS3 does the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds, so you know, there are certainly faster cars out there.

One thing that hasn't changed, thankfully, is the majestic symphony that the 5.2-litre V10 sings. There's literally nothing else like it in the market with the exception of the Lamborghini Huracan, which is effectively the same mechanical package underneath. Get the engine past 5,000rpm and the orchestral V10 soundtrack is just heavenly. 

Quality and 'luxury'

Beyond that, the R8 remains a very accessible and surprisingly usable supercar. It's got exotic looks, all right, but it's inside where it impresses. The cabin is well designed, well equipped and actually rather spacious. And because it is a quintessentially Audi product, it actually does feel quite luxurious (for a supercar).

And, it's rather comfortable to drive, too. Driven lightly, the car is quiet, rides over bumps quite well for a low-slung two-seater coupe, visibility is good, ground clearance is better than expected, and the overall footprint is smaller than you'd expect.

Push it hard, and its dynamic qualities shine. Especially given that its now rear-wheel drive only, the nose is sharper and more accurate, body control is excellent, and it's a car that's pretty easy to drive hard. Is it the most engaging sports car out there? Not really, there are cars with more interactive steering and more exciting chassis, but what the R8 is able to do is to flatter your driving abilities rather than expose your shortcomings.

One last breath

Amid a sea of turbocharged and hybrid assisted 700bhp supercars, the Audi R8 sticks out like a slightly sore thumb.

It's hardly a 2022 supercar, but that's because it precisely isn't. Underneath this updated R8 lies a platform that's seven years of age already, and one that's headed for the axe.

It feels slightly old fashioned, and I think that is precisely the car's appeal. The sensational naturally aspirated V10 engine delivers a soundtrack that tingles your insides, but also harkens back to an older and simpler time.

This takes nothing away from how complete and competent the R8 is as an everyday supercar. It looks exotic, has reasonable practicality, drives well over long distances and through windy roads, but when it's all said and done it all comes back to that sonorous and glorious engine.

Yes, there are faster and arguably better supercars in the market right now. Those cars are very much the present and future of exotic motoring. But if you yearn for an experience and soundtrack that's almost by the wayside, this R8 is perhaps the last chance to get your hands on the last of a dying breed.

And this is truly a celebration. As the world goes electric, cars like these are the most obvious and immediate victims. It is inevitable and no doubt sad, but we should also appreciate and celebrate these cars while we still can. 

So yes, the Audi R8 is not quite dead just yet - you might want to get one while you still can.

Catch more of this R8's excellent soundtrack right here!