The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Track-grade handling
- Ferocious V-8
- Ferocious V-8 noise
- Slick styling
Dislikes
- So costly
- So impractical
- Is this the end of the V-10?
Buying tip
features & specs
Track- or valet-ready, the 2023 Audi R8 is a palatable supercar for those with the budget.
What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Audi R8? What does it compare to?
The 2023 Audi R8 is a V-10-powered sports car with close links to the Lamborghini Huracán. Shop it against the Chevy Corvette and Porsche 911.
Is the 2023 Audi R8 a good car?
With V-10 power and a choice between rear- or all-wheel-drive grip, the Audi R8 is a spectacular supercar with more than a hint of everyday drivability. It’s a 5.4 on our scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2023 Audi R8?
A new rear-wheel-drive model with a 602-hp version of the R8’s V-10 powerplant arrives with GT badging. With a 3.4-second 0-60 mph sprint and a 199-mph top speed, it’s a proper supercar. Just 333 are planned, each with racy carbon fiber bits outside, forged wheels at each corner, and red touches inside.
These mid-engine sports cars come in roadster and coupe forms, with styling that’s outrageous if not classically beautiful. The cab-forward look affords for great outward vision, while the hefty tail covers huge V-10 power. Inside, look for a simplistic, driver-centric design with a single digital display framed by the steering wheel. The driver is in charge here.
Tucked behind the front seats is a 5.2-liter V-10 with a rapid-fire 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Power ranges from 562 hp in base form to 602 hp, all with a snarling, throaty growl, superb handling, and a tolerable ride. Fuel economy? Well, it sucks. Fuel, that is. Look for 16 to 17 mpg combined.
Even the most common crash-avoidance tech fitted to Corollas and Civics can’t be found on the R8, though we suppose that’s not the point here.
How much does the 2023 Audi R8 cost?
The base R8 coupe sneaks just shy of $161,000 in base form, though nappa leather trim, 20-inch wheels, and a decent audio system lessen the blow. The Performance trim level zips to about $211,000 with all-wheel drive. Once something of a bargain, the R8 is hardly a cheap choice today.
Where is the 2023 Audi R8 made?
Germany.
2023 Audi R8 Styling
The 2023 Audi R8 flaunts its mid-engine proportions.
Is the Audi R8 a good-looking car?
With its low-slung stance and short front overhang, the Audi R8 samples supercar forms. It’s sleek and simple inside, too. It’s a 9 on the TCC scale overall.
The R8 does nothing to hide the location of its engine behind its passenger compartment. Short front and rear overhangs and a windshield mounted way forward leave plenty of room for the big V-10 to tuck between its wheels. Angular details tie the R8 into the rest of Audi’s lineup, as if begging buyers to grab a Q7 for rainy days.
The R8’s cabin has few superfluous touches, including just a single display in front of the driver rather than a secondary one on the center of the dash. Bright interior hues liven the R8 up inside, though black suits its mission just fine.
2023 Audi R8 Performance
The 2023 Audi R8 is an everyday supercar.
Boasting stellar grip, track-grade handling, impressive steering feel, and a strong V-10 engine, the Audi R8 is an easy 9 for its performance.
Is the Audi R8 4WD?
It can be, though rear-wheel drive is standard.
How fast is the Audi R8?
The R8 is downright fast, with its V-10 rated between 562 and 602 hp. Power goes rearward or to all four corners via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that delivers brutally fast shifts, too. Several drive modes allow the car to lope along in daily driving or slay tracks when needed.
The V-10’s mid-mounted location behind the passenger compartment is a boon for handling. This car is balanced, neutral, and exceptionally agile. Only a hint of understeer shows through, but the R8 is the kind of high-performance car that can be driven by a wide range of skill levels.
The firm ride doesn’t punish occupants, either.
2023 Audi R8 Comfort & Quality
Audi builds the 2023 R8 for the driver; anyone else is an afterthought.
The 2023 Audi R8 is among the most driver-centric vehicles on the market today, though at least the passenger has a comfy enough throne, too. We score it at 3 out of 10 due to its cramped cabin and its limited storage capacity.
The seats have good bolstering and wear attractive leather trim. Carbon-fiber and aluminum bits elsewhere in the cabin have a nice appearance, though the overall look can be a little too stark to some.
The tiny 4.0 cubic-foot trunk barely works for a quick run to the grocery store.
2023 Audi R8 Safety
Don’t look for crash-test results any time soon.
How safe is the Audi R8?
It’s never been crash tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. Additionally, it’s light on crash-avoidance tech short of parking sensors. Nearly every other new car has automatic emergency braking, but not the R8.
Outward vision is unbeatable forward and fairly terrible rearward.
2023 Audi R8 Features
The 2023 R8 is well-appointed, but lots of money.
While far from practical, the 2023 Audi R8 has a well-equipped cabin. It’s a 5 out of 10, though, with what points we would add for standard fare canceled out by a sky-high pricetag.
The R8 runs about $160,000 in base rear-drive form with leather seats with 18-way power adjustment and heating, a digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Which Audi R8 should I buy?
If you’re spending this much, you might as well step up to the $211,000-or-so model with all-wheel drive, which also adds 40 more hp, ceramic brakes, and extra carbon fiber trim. Beware that its racing shell seats are pretty cramped, though.
We’re not sure how much the new 602-hp rear-drive model will cost, but its limited production numbers mean you may already be too late.
How much is a fully loaded Audi R8?
Add to the all-wheel-drive model such niceties as quilted leather, metallic paint, and more carbon fiber bits, and you can nudge its price to about $230,000. Spyders command about $15,000 more.
2023 Audi R8 Fuel Economy
There’s nothing green about the 2023 Audi R8, aside from the number of greenbacks needed to buy and fuel up one.
Is the Audi R8 good on gas?
Nope. Look for 14 mpg city, 23 highway, 17 combined in rear-drive form, or just 13/18/15 mpg with all-wheel drive.
