Last chance for a last dance. The 2023 Audi R8 is the end of the line for the glorious naturally aspirated 10-cylinder-powered supercar, but its farewell is far from quiet. Audi is reviving the R8 GT as a special-edition model, with only 333 units to be produced worldwide and 150 of those headed for U.S. shores.
Executives have telegraphed the current R8's end for several years, as the brand moves purposefully toward an all-electric future. The R8's successor, whatever its eventual name, is expected sometime in the next two to three years and will use fully electric power.
For its 2023 swan song, the special-edition R8 GT is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and all of that power is sent to the rear wheels. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.3 seconds and keeps pulling up to a top track speed of 199 mph. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with even quicker shifts, and the suspension comes with a carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and ceramic brakes are also standard. The exterior is bedecked with all manner of carbon-fiber air ducts, winglets and spoilers.
We're sad to see the R8 go. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the R8's performance, comfort and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Audi R8 V10 Performance easily earns high scores, and not just because it's a performance powerhouse. Its athleticism doesn't come at the expense of refinement or drivability, and its lustworthy status is upheld through craftsmanship and technology.
Rated for you by America's best test team.How does the R8 drive? The Audi R8 V10 Performance delivers the performance expected of an exotic sports car. Acceleration is otherworldly, reaching 60 mph in only 3.0 seconds. Handling is also unflappable, and the brakes are consistent and trustworthy.
What's surprising, though, is how easy it is to explore its incredible capabilities and how pleasant it drives when you're not dropping the hammer. Besides the power, braking and grip, the R8's steering contributes a lot to the overall experience, with appropriate effort at low and high speeds, quick responses, and a decent amount of feedback.
How comfortable is the R8? Comfort doesn't suffer as a result of the R8's impressive performance capabilities. The ride quality is appropriately stiff but not jarring. It has just enough compliance to filter out harsh impacts, and the standard R8's adaptive suspension should give an even broader range. The interior is also praiseworthy for its ability to keep road and wind noise at bay, allowing you to enjoy the glorious V10 growl.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating belowHow’s the interior? The sleek, understated design blends with high technology for a modern cabin that's easy to acclimate to. Getting in doesn't require any contortions, but the low seats and roofline, combined with a wide side sill, will require a bit more effort from taller occupants. For the average-size driver, the aggressive seats and cockpit will fit like a tailored suit, but larger occupants might feel as if things have shrunk a bit in the wash.
The R8 gives the sensation of a more spacious coupe, with a simple dash and no central infotainment screen. Functions typically operated through touchscreens are moved to the instrument panel and controlled by numerous steering wheel controls.
How’s the tech? Audi's MMI infotainment system remains one of the best in the industry for its wide array of functions and ease of use. Some people, though, may be initially thrown off by having almost all functions run through the instrument panel instead of secondary screens. Many of the latest advanced driver assist features are absent, but in an engaging sports car like this, they're not missed.
How’s the storage? Sports cars aren't regarded for their practicality, and mid-engine cars typically come up shorter than others in this area. Cargo room and interior storage are limited in the R8, but there's enough space to stow bags for a weekend getaway for two.
The narrow but deep front trunk holds about 8 cubic feet and can accommodate a small carry-on suitcase or a couple of duffel bags. There is also a narrow shelf behind the seats, but it's not quite as accommodating as the one in the Porsche 911. Interior storage is scarce, with a few small bins and shallow pockets to store your personal items.
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy for the all-wheel-drive R8 at 15 mpg combined. We averaged 19.9 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route. That's a good sign, but driving efficiently requires extraordinary restraint (our overall average was a more dismal 13.3 mpg). Other sports cars are more frugal with fuel.
Is the R8 a good value? The R8 isn't cheap. But as a wise person once said, "You can sleep in a car, but you can't drive a house." What you get for the money is one of the most technologically advanced sports cars that'll make you feel like a million bucks. That's a great ROI. All materials are top-shelf, and the R8 feels as if it was carved out of a single block of aluminum. Every button and knob has a solid weight and movement to it, which showcases the best of what Audi can do.
The Audi R8 may get points deducted for convenience and seat comfort, but the payoff in performance and entertainment far outweighs those factors. Sports cars like this are built to exhilarate, and the R8 delivers with a heady dose of acceleration and ultra-confident handling.
The Audi R8 is more of a stealth fighter among its flashier exotic kin, even with its 10-cylinder engine exposed under glass. Its design looks refined and purposeful, and the R8 would be equally in its element parked in front of an opera house or rolling through the paddock of a racetrack.
The 2023 Audi R8 is a two-seat mid-engine sports car available as both a coupe and convertible. The latter is dubbed the R8 Spyder and uses a power-operating soft top. The R8's trim levels are the R8 V10 Performance RWD, which is rear-wheel-drive, and the R8 V10 Performance Quattro, which is all-wheel-drive. All other features are identical for both the coupe and convertible. Topping off the lineup is the limited-edition ultra-high-performance R8 GT, a rear-wheel-drive model with the same spirited V10.