Audi's 2018 R8 exotic sports car is one of the most distinctive-looking cars on the road. Considering the car's heritage, though, it shouldn't come as a surprise. The Audi R8 is related to the Lamborghini Huracan and shares a common body structure and a high-revving 5.2-liter V10. Both come only with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the Huracan is available in rear-wheel drive, the R8 is all-wheel-drive only.
The R8 comes in two body styles, a couple and a convertible, and two trim levels, V10 and V10 Plus (coupe only). The base V10 edition's engine is rated at 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, while the power behind the V10 Plus is boosted to 610 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The mightier engine vaults the R8 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds; the base version is just a bit behind at 3.5 seconds.
The 2018 Audi R8 is a beacon of modern design, from the available laser-assisted LED headlights to the interior fitted with Audi's Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. This 12.3-inch display screen in front of the driver shows a virtual analog speedometer and tachometer, with infotainment functions displayed between those gauges. This eliminates the need for a display in the middle of the dashboard and gives the R8's cockpit a streamlined, focused atmosphere, without the visual distraction of that commonplace LCD screen.
Standard feature highlights include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, Audi's MMI infotainment interface, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Notable options include different leather upholstery, carbon-ceramic brakes, laser-enhanced LED headlights and variable ratio steering. Besides its extra power, the Plus coupe has a more stiffly tuned suspension that lacks the adjustable dampers. In the name of saving weight, it also has a slightly smaller gas tank, a five-speaker sound system and racing-style seats that lack backrest-angle adjustment.
What is surprisingly missing for such a high-end model, however, are increasingly common advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation with automatic braking. But we're guessing that with one full-throttle blast of the V10 engine, you're not going to be too worried about that. Use the additional information on Edmunds to help you find the perfect 2018 Audi R8.
Is the 2018 Audi R8 a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi R8 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 R8 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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What options are available on the 2018 Audi R8?
Available Audi R8 2018 Submodel Types: Coupe, Convertible, GT 5.2 FSI quattro
Available Trims: quattro, 4.2 quattro, 4.2 quattro Spyder, 5.2 quattro, V10 plus quattro, V10 quattro Spyder, GT 5.2 FSI quattro, V10 quattro
Exterior Colors: Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Phantom Black Pearl Effect, Ibis White, Ice Silver Metallic, Brilliant Red, Florett Silver Metallic, Jet Blue Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Somoa Orange Metallic, Teak Brown Metallic
Interior Colors: Black leather/sueded microfiber, Black premium leather, Black/Express Red Stitching premium leather, Luxor Beige premium leather, Black Fine Nappa Leather w/Diamond Stitching premium leather, Black alcantara, Black/Silver Stitching premium leather, Limestone Gray leather/sueded microfiber, Nougat Brown premium leather, Tuscan Brown premium leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Navigation, Parking sensors, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Leather Seats, USB Inputs, Upgraded Stereo, Soft Top, Keyless Entry/Start, Mobile Internet
Engine/Mechanics: 8, 10 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
