Of Germany's big three, Audi was the last one the world had expected to make a supercar, let alone a supercar to rival Ferrari and Lamborghini. But the Audi R8 did just that, and did it well. Especially the second generation which was essentially a more discreet and laid back Huracan. At the same time, being an Audi, it’s one of the easiest supercars to live with. But that by no means makes it boring. There is nothing pedestrian about its screaming, naturally aspirated V10 and the performance it provides. That’s even more true when talking about the 2024 Audi R8 which gets more power, better steering and improved suspension. Moreover, at a substantially lower price than the Huracan, the R8 is one of the best supercar bargains. But before we start uncovering what else makes the R8 so special, both for Audi and for potential buyers, check out the ones currently for sale here at Exotic Car Trader.
Despite mostly living in the shadow of its more popular brother, the Huracan, but also every other established supercar, the Audi R8 is pretty special. Primarily because it’s one of the last naturally aspirated supercars without a hybrid system, and one of few that have abstained from forced induction and downsizing throughout the past decade. And while journalists and enthusiasts paid more attention to the Huracan, supercar buyers appreciated the R8 which helped Audi sell nearly 40,000 examples. That’s a higher production number than those of both Huracan and Gallardo combined. The second generation, which came out in 2015 and unlike the previous model was based on the same platform as the Huracan, was in theory supposed to be much more popular. Unfortunately, the opposite happened and even the major 2018 update couldn’t revive the sales. The 2024 Audi R8 did see a sales increase of 101% thanks to Audi announcing the sad news of the R8’s demise, but that was nowhere near enough to justify a third generation.
The 2024 Audi R8’s interior may not be as flashy, attractive or extravagant as those of its rivals, but since about ten years ago, Audi has been at the top of its game when it comes to interior styling. And if any of its models should benefit from that, it’s the Audi R8. One of the first things you will notice when looking at the dashboard is the missing infotainment screen. The R8 gets a fully digital gauge cluster which includes all features usually found in the main infotainment screen. Functions can still be controlled with a dial found on the center console, but also using the steering wheel. The AC on the other hand is controlled using three dials with integrated screens and multiple functions for each. That’s one of the most unique modern interior solutions which not only looks amazing but is also perfectly functional. It’s also fairly exclusive as it’s only found in two other models and that’s the TT and the Bugatti Chiron. The steering wheel is another masterpiece with a flat bottom, a tiny airbag and buttons for starting the engine, changing the driving modes and more, all of which adds to the supercar spirit. Other than that, virtually everything is covered in real leather instead of carbon fiber and alcantara, while the rest of the interior is fairly basic in terms of design. But that’s what R8 buyers like and what sets it apart from traditional supercars.
The second generation Audi R8 was always a mean looking thing, but the 2018 update brought along even sharper and more aggressive lines, and also a few R8 LMS inspired design cues. One example of that can be found in the rear where the previous two engine cooling vents below the tail lights became one single vent spanning across the entire width of the car. That’s an obvious carry over from the R8 LMS and it makes the rear look much more attractive and in line with other contemporary supercars. The changes to the rear don’t end there as all R8s also got huge oval exhausts plus a much higher and more aggressive diffuser. The side profile remained largely the same with the signature fiber intakes broken into two pieces for the second generation. However, the front was significantly changed with extra intakes next to the headlights and below the hood. The Audi grille got a new, more complex mesh as seen on other models, while the bumper introduced new lines, a more aggressive splitter and additional vents. Overall, the 2024 Audi R8 is likely the most flamboyant model other than a few track ready versions.
Although it’s not as fast as the Huracan, the Audi R8 has more than enough power to scare even the best of drivers. The 2024 Audi R8 especially as it gets 30hp more thanks to the 2018 update for a total of 570 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Since it only weighs 3,715 lbs and has four wheel drive, it slingshots to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. And with a top speed of 201 mph, it’s just 1 mph slower than the Huracan Evo. And once we take into account that its naturally aspirated V10 revs to nearly 9,000 RPMs, it’s safe to say that the R8 provides an exhilarating experience. The late models are also more engaging to drive thanks to stiffer, carbon fiber anti roll bars that are also 4 lbs lighter. Audi also stiffened the suspension, installed a quicker steering rack as well as bigger carbon ceramic brakes in 2018. All these changes are more than enough to make a difference between the 2024 Audi R8 and pre-facelift models.
By now we know that the Huracan is faster and more attractive, but whether or not it’s $50,000 more attractive is questionable. That’s how big of a premium the Huracan entails over the 2024 Audi R8 which has a starting price of $160,000. Coupled with the fact that the optional equipment isn’t that extensive, and the R8 becomes one of the most reasonably priced mid engined supercars. If you are wondering about the used prices, check out the ones available at Exotic Car Trader.
While we can’t say that the 2024 R8 represents the best Audi has to offer, because it’s not really an Audi, we can say it’s one of the best things to come out of the Volkswagen group ever. After all, what’s not to like about a discounted Lamborghini that still has amazing styling both inside and out, plus virtually the same performance. Lastly, if you are looking to get into an R8 or any other supercar for that matter, consider buying it through Exotic Car Trader. With escrow protection, delivery and first inspection all taken care of, Exotic Car Trader makes the buying process as safe and as convenient as it gets. The same goes if you are looking to sell your current car with Exotic Car Trader, only in that case you also get a professional photographer at your door.
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