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.
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.