Spanning multiple generations over almost 20 years, the production of Audi’s venerable and hallowed R8 supercar has officially come to an end.
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The first vestige of what we know as the Audi R8 debuted as a concept model way back in 2003, bearing the Audi Le Mans quattro moniker and envisioning a high-performance sports car that inherited the characteristics of the three-time winning Le Mans 24-Hours race car. The official first-generation model was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, which was the Le Mans quattro concept’s physique powered by a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 and, depending on configuration, mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
At the tail-end of 2008, Audi would birth the V10-powered derivative of the R8, which employed a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that was developed in collaboration with Lamborghini. It distinguished itself from its eight-cylinder counterpart by way of a slightly different front fascia, larger wheels, a four-exit exhaust system and a slightly revised cabin. The 386 kW/ 530 N.m V10, like its V8 sibling, had its power fed through with a six-speed auto or manual transmission to all four corners.
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In 2012, Audi debuted the facelifted variant of its first-generation R8 for both the V8 and V10 derivatives. The updated model boasted a new exterior design characterised by sharper body lines, new headlights, and carbon fibre-reinforced side panels. The interior had also been updated and featured bucket seats and Alcantara upholstery.
Production of the second generation of the Audi R8 began in 2015, just three years after the facelifted first-gen model debuted. The second generation Audi R8 was founded on the Modular Sports System platform and sourced its power from a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that would output 402 kW in standard configuration and 455 kW in V10 Plus spec. The second generation had a physique that was noticeably more aggressive than those that came before and revised many design elements that characterised the first-gen model. The most notable change is the segmenting of the black side panel. In late 2018, the facelifted variant of the second-generation Audi R8 debuted. Aside from slight cosmetic alterations, the second-gen model featured improved suspension components and more power.
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Production of the final Audi R8 was planned for the end of 2023, but an influx in orders extended that deadline slightly. The curtain-closing R8 model left the Audi Böllinger Höfe site’s assembly line wearing Vegas Yellow in Performance Edition guise with the carbon fibre exterior package and 20-inch wheels.
