Audi dropped the V8 option for the second-generation R8 supercar, which means the vehicle now boasts more cylinders, more power, more torque, and you guessed it — a higher sticker price.
With the entry-level price point of $115,900 no longer available, the cheapest new R8 you can buy now starts at a lofty $162,900, some $47,000 more than the first-generation V8. If we compare apples to apples though — V10s to V10s in this case — the new version costs $9,000 more than the old one, which is significantly less shocking. As for the range-topping V10 Plus, the 2017 model starts at $189,900, however neither MSRP includes the $1,250 destination charge.
In terms of supercars, you often get quality equal to what you pay, and that statement rings true with the outstanding R8. With 540 naturally aspirated horsepower coming from its 5.2-liter V10, the angular coupe smashes through 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, before prancing all the way up to its top speed of 199 mph. For even more gusto, the V10 Plus offers 610 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds, which is nearly on par with the red-hot Ferrari 488 GTB. Flat out, the top-tier version will reach its “top track speed” of 205 mph.
Speaking of the track, Audi has announced that the all-new R8 LMS will make its U.S. racing debut later this month. As part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series, the car will compete in the grueling 24-hour Rolex 24 event at Daytona International Speedway, where it will need every one of its 585 hp to come out on top.
Developed alongside the road-going R8, the R8 LMS shares just under 50 percent of its parts with the standard car, including the V10 powerplant and the carfon-fiber-reinforced aluminum space frame. The green flag drops at Daytona on January 30.