Verdict
A
Supercar · Germany · 2007-2024
Audi R8
Audi R8 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2007-2024
Generations
2
Segment
Supercar
Audi's mid-engined supercar — Lamborghini Gallardo / Huracán platform with the Audi badge and quattro AWD. Type 42 (2007–2015) launched with 4.2 V8 (414 bhp), then added the 5.2 V10 (525 bhp). Type 4S (2015–2024) was V10 only — 5.2 FSI naturally aspirated, 533/602 bhp. RWS rear-drive variant from 2018. Spyder convertible from 2010. Discontinued 2024 — no direct successor; the e-tron GT line carries Audi performance forward.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Type 42 2007-2015 → Type 4S 2015-2024
BHP +108 bhp
Torque +110 Nm
0–60 mph −0.6 s
Top speed +12 mph
MPG −2 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2007-2015
Type 42
→
V10 5.2 FSI quattro — 525 bhp, 0-62 in 3.9s.
Verdict
A
BHP
525
0–60
3.9 s
Top
197 mph
MPG
21.0 mpg
Used
£35,000-£75,000
- + 4.2 V8 — high-revving NA
- + 5.2 V10 — Gallardo-derived
- − R-Tronic single-clutch slow
- − Cabin shows age
2015-2024
Type 4S
→
V10 Performance quattro — 612 bhp, 0-62 in 3.1s.
Verdict
A
BHP
612
0–60
3.1 s
Top
205 mph
MPG
20.0 mpg
Used
£75,000-£175,000
- + 5.2 V10 NA — irreplaceable
- + S-Tronic 7DCT slick
- − Heavier than Type 42
- − Discontinued 2024
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2007-2015 · Type 42
- 4.2 V8 timing chain stretch
- 5.2 V10 service costs
- R-Tronic single-clutch slow
2015-2024 · Type 4S
- 5.2 V10 carbon build-up
- Magnetic ride strut wear
- Software updates needed pre-2019
Rivals
Porsche 911 · Lamborghini Huracán · McLaren 570S · Mercedes-AMG GT