2023 Audi R8 Convertible

MSRP Range: $171,000 - $222,100 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Audi R8 performance Spyder Convertible Exterior

+58

The Audi R8 Spyder Performance is ridiculously fun to drive, even on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the Spyder lacks sufficient legroom for taller drivers and has an unintuitive infotainment interface.

Rank #2

3 Exotic sport convertibles

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Total MSRP^{This price includes a $1,495 destination fee charged by the manufacturer.}	$173,795
What others are paying	$176,100
Low supply is pushing the market average above MSRP.

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Audi R8 for Sale

2023 Audi R8 Convertible Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.},

rating written byBrent Romans^{Senior Manager, Written Content
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.}

Pros

Blissful, high-revving V10 engine
Responsive and athletic handling
Comfortable ride and gorgeous interior

Cons

Many of Audi's latest advanced driver safety aids aren't available
Limited storage even for a sports car

What's new

Limited-edition, ultra-high-performance GT trim level debuts
2023 will be the final year for this generation R8
Second R8 generation was introduced for 2017

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi R8 performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$271/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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

average

7.3/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the R8 Spyder drive? The R8 is one of the easiest exotic sports car to drive, whether it's on a racetrack or on your commute. Acceleration is, naturally, very quick thanks to 602 horsepower. The R8 Spyder reached 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds and stopped from that speed in 107 feet in Edmunds' testing.

The R8 Spyder's handling isn't as convincing as its straight-line performance. But no matter how you drive the R8 Spyder, the dual-clutch automatic transmission works better than most, offering smooth low-speed driving and quick shifts under full throttle.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the R8 Spyder? If you're 5-foot-10 or shorter, the R8 Spyder will fit you like a slim-fit tailored suit. The thinly padded seats are helped by a wealth of power adjustments, including side bolsters and an extendable thigh support. Long-distance comfort, though, is questionable. Ride quality is very smooth for an exotic car, and the R8 Spyder can absorb most impacts around town with ease. We were less impressed with the placement of the driver's side air vents, which managed to only cool the steering wheel.

Though we're partial to how good the R8's V10 engine sounds, some of your neighbors might not be so enamored. The R8 is almost excessively loud at startup. But once underway, the exhaust can be tailored for discretion or attention, depending on your mood.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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Interior

6.5/10

How’s the interior? Getting into the R8 requires shimmying between the seat bolsters and steering wheel, even with the seat slid all the way back. Drivers taller than 5-foot-10 might not fit altogether due to the surprising lack of legroom. The interior is understated and minimal, and the primary controls are logically placed and intuitive. With no central infotainment screen, the driver must use the instrument panel to control secondary functions, of which there are mercifully few.

Well-placed narrow front roof pillars help provide a clear view out of the front. Rear visibility with the top up is better than in most other convertibles even if the outside mirrors are a bit on the small side. The rearview camera is helpful, but its display can easily be blocked with a slight turn of the steering wheel. The convertible top deploys in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Even with the glass wind blocker and windows up, buffeting is considerable.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? With the top up, the Bang & Olufsen audio system sounds amazing even at highway speeds. However, using it — and almost every other system — requires you to use the gauge cluster display because the R8 Spyder lacks a center infotainment screen. The gauge cluster screen certainly looks good, but you control it through either a roller switch on the steering wheel or a dial on the center console. This is not as intuitive as a touchscreen or some other dial-based systems, and it's often distracting. Many of the latest advanced driver assist features are absent, but in an engaging sports car like this, they're not missed.

Storage

5.5/10

How’s the storage? Even as a mid-engine exotic sports car, the R8 lacks convenience. The 4-cubic-foot trunk is about the average size for this class of car but has only half the capacity of the more practical R8 coupe. It is deep but not very wide, and only a small carry-on bag will fit. The "frunk" really needs some effort to close, and even with a strong slam, you might have to push it down to latch fully. Even then, warnings that it wasn't fully closed were common.

Interior storage is also limited. There's no space behind the seats, and the cupholders, various bins and door pockets are all small. The R8 Spyder might be challenging to use as a weekend getaway car if you're packing more than a few small duffels.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How economical is the R8 Spyder? The EPA estimates fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive R8 at 15 mpg combined. We managed to achieve 17.6 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop in mixed-driving conditions. We're quick to note that figure was only achieved by driving very conservatively, which is not at all what the R8 was intended for.

Value

7.0/10

Is the R8 Spyder 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.

Wildcard

9.0/10

The R8 Spyder might not turn in the quickest lap times, but it's thoroughly entertaining to wring its neck when you have the right road. This is one of those cars that call to you in the middle of the night, urging you to log some more miles with the top down and the V10 engine screaming away.

As far as personality goes, you can feel like a million bucks for a quarter of the price! You feel special in the R8 Spyder without garnering the same level of attention you would in a Lamborghini. Still, with the push of a few buttons, the R8 can go from introvert to extrovert in seconds.

Which R8 does Edmunds recommend?

If you're the collecting type, the limited-edition R8 GT should make a sparkling addition to any garage. Otherwise, go for the R8 V10 Performance RWD. You get the glorious 10-cylinder chorus along with the rear-drive model's more playful handling, and it costs less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart too.

Audi R8 models

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.

R8 V10 Performance RWD
Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine now making 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque paired to seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include:

20-inch wheels
Power-folding, heated mirrors with auto dimming
Auto-deploying rear spoiler
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Heated seats
Digital instrument panel
Navigation system
Wireless charging pad with signal booster
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Automatic high beams
Front and rear parking sensors

The RWD model is also available with a few packages and options, including:

Carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar
Dynamic steering
Diamond-stitch leather package
Premium package

Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Faux suede interior treatments
Extended leather upholstery

Dynamic package

Carbon-ceramic brakes
Upgraded leather upholstery
Nappa leather-wrapped racing seats with fixed backrests

Sport exhaust package
Carbon exterior package

R8 V10 Performance Quattro
Besides including the Dynamic package as standard equipment, the R8 Quattro gets a power increase (602 hp, 413 lb-ft). It also has:

All-wheel drive
Fixed rear spoiler
Sport exhaust system
Upgraded brakes
Upgraded headlights
Carbon-fiber accents
Optional fully adjustable sport seats
Upgraded leather upholstery and faux suede headliner

R8 GT
Makes the same power as the Performance Quattro models, but does so in a rear-wheel-drive package that combines the best of both worlds. Other features include:

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel
Revised transmission with different gear ratios and quicker shifts
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
20-inch, 10-spoke forged wheels in high-gloss black
Bucket seats finished in leather and Dinamica
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar
Carbon-fiber front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper elements, rear diffuser and gooseneck rear wing

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2023 Audi R8.

Average user rating: 4.7 stars

3 total reviews

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5 star reviews: 67%

4 star reviews: 33%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 0%

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2023 Audi R8 Features Specs

Type:

Convertible

Total MSRP	$173,795
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$271/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	4.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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Audi R8 vs. Porsche 911

Few cars combine performance, prestige and pure driving pleasure quite like the Porsche 911. It's a formula that has made it iconic for decades. Behind its benchmark character is a car that's as easy to drive on a city street as it is a racetrack, a trait it shares with the R8. The 911 comes in a wide range of trims and customization options, although you'll need the 911 Turbo if you want to match the R8's performance.

Compare Audi R8 & Porsche 911 features

Audi R8 vs. BMW M8

The BMW M8 may be five letters away in the alphabet from its Audi rival, but it actually packs more punch than the R8 in its top power output. It generates 617 hp from its twin-turbo V8 and comes with most of the same performance features: all-wheel-drive, adaptive suspension, agile handling. The BMW also offers a twist, a coupe-style sedan body if you simply must have four doors. It also provides a more user-friendly infotainment system. But while it may offer extraordinary power, it's got a muted personality compared to the R8's raucous V10.

Compare Audi R8 & BMW M8 features

Audi R8 vs. Acura NSX

Acura discontinued the NSX for 2022 but it's still worth considering. This mid-engine coupe uses a 600-horsepower turbocharged V6 hybrid for ridiculous power and speed. From 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, the NSX is one of the quickest cars we've tested. Its aerodynamic body, finely tuned suspension and uniquely calibrated transmission make it a surgical tool for racetrack sessions, yet it's also comfortable in the daily hustle and has respectably upstanding fuel economy. It lacks the R8's thunder, but the NSX is a special car in its own right.

Compare Audi R8 & Acura NSX features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite R8 safety features:

Rearview Camera: Shows you what's behind the vehicle to make reversing safer and easier.
Front and Rear Parking Sensors: Gives you an acoustic alert as the vehicle approaches an object while you park.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Notifies you if the pressure in a given tire drops below the recommended amount.

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FAQ

Is the Audi R8 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 R8 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.3 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the R8 has 4.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi R8. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Audi R8?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi R8:

Limited-edition, ultra-high-performance GT trim level debuts
2023 will be the final year for this generation R8
Second R8 generation was introduced for 2017

Learn more

Is the Audi R8 reliable?

To determine whether the Audi R8 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the R8. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the R8's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Audi R8 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi R8 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 R8 and gave it a 7.3 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 R8 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi R8?

The least-expensive 2023 Audi R8 is the 2023 Audi R8 performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $171,000.

Other versions include:

performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) which starts at $171,000
performance Spyder 2dr Convertible AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) which starts at $222,100

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi R8?

If you're interested in the Audi R8, the next question is, which R8 model is right for you? R8 variants include performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM), and performance Spyder 2dr Convertible AWD (5.2L 10cyl 7AM). For a full list of R8 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Audi R8 Convertible

Pricing

2023 Audi R8 Convertible Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi R8 performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Performance

Comfort

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2023 Audi R8 Convertible pricing

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Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which R8 does Edmunds recommend?

Audi R8 models

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2023 Audi R8 Features Specs

Compare the Audi R8

Audi R8 vs. Porsche 911

Audi R8 vs. BMW M8

Audi R8 vs. Acura NSX

Safety

Our experts’ favorite R8 safety features:

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FAQ

Is the Audi R8 a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Audi R8?

Is the Audi R8 reliable?

Is the 2023 Audi R8 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi R8?

What are the different models of Audi R8?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi R8 performance Spyder 2dr Convertible (5.2L 10cyl 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}