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The Audi R8 V10 Performance reaches a top speed of 205 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.[1] The rear-wheel-drive R8 GT—the final and most powerful variant—hits 199 mph with a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds.[2] Audi ended R8 production in early 2024, cementing its status as one of the fastest naturally aspirated supercars ever built.
Audi R8 Performance by Variant
Not all R8s are created equal. Audi offered multiple variants throughout the car’s production run, each with different speed capabilities.
The base R8 V10 quattro delivered 562 horsepower and topped out at 201 mph, hitting 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.[3] That’s quick by any standard—matching or beating most Porsche 911 variants. But the V10 Performance took things further with 602 horsepower, shaving acceleration to 2.9 seconds and pushing top speed to 205 mph.[1]
Here’s how the numbers break down across R8 variants:
| Variant | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Quarter Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 V10 quattro | 562 hp | 3.5 sec | 201 mph | 11.4 sec @ 127 mph |
| R8 V10 Performance quattro | 602 hp | 2.9 sec | 205 mph | 11.1 sec @ 133 mph |
| R8 V10 Performance RWD | 602 hp | 3.4 sec | 204 mph | 11.3 sec @ 130 mph |
| R8 GT (RWD) | 602 hp | 3.3 sec | 199 mph | N/A |
Source: Audi USA, Acceleration Times[1][2]
The quattro all-wheel-drive system is what made the R8 so devastatingly quick off the line. AWD models could put power down more efficiently, which is why the Performance quattro variant achieved faster 0-60 times despite having identical horsepower to the RWD version. For more on what quattro means and how it works, see our detailed explainer.
The V10 Engine: Heart of the R8
The R8’s speed comes from one of the best naturally aspirated engines ever produced. A 5.2-liter V10 sits just behind the cabin, sharing its DNA with the Lamborghini Huracán—because Audi’s parent company Volkswagen Group owns both brands.
This isn’t a turbocharged engine relying on forced induction for power. The V10 revs to a screaming 8,700 rpm, where it produces 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.[4] At that redline, each piston travels approximately 88.3 feet per second—an engineering feat that produces a signature exhaust note that builds to a crescendo unlike any turbo car can match.[4]
The firing order—1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9—creates a distinctive hissing tenor sound that enthusiasts instantly recognize.[4] And honestly? That exhaust note is half the reason people buy the R8. Modern turbo supercars are fast, but few sound this good.
Power routes through a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission that shifts in milliseconds, keeping the engine in its power band during aggressive driving. Audi paired this with either all-wheel drive (quattro) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), depending on trim level and model year.
Real-World Speed: What Testing Reveals
Manufacturer claims are one thing. Track testing tells a different story—and in the R8’s case, that story is even better than the spec sheet suggests.
MotorTrend tested the 2017 R8 V10 Plus and recorded a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds—making it the fastest naturally aspirated car they’d ever tested at the time.[5] Independent testing from Acceleration Times confirmed quarter-mile runs of 11.1 seconds at 133 mph for the V10 Performance model.[1]
Here’s the thing about the R8’s real-world speed: it’s usable. The car doesn’t require professional driving skills to extract its performance. Launch control handles the tricky part—getting 602 horsepower to the ground without spinning tires—while the all-wheel-drive system manages power distribution automatically.
From 0-100 mph, the V10 Performance takes just 5.9 seconds.[1] Reaching 150 mph requires only 17.9 seconds. And the car pulls hard all the way to its 205 mph limiter, though you’ll need a very long stretch of private road (or a German autobahn) to explore that territory.
R8 vs Lamborghini Huracán: Same Engine, Different Experience
The elephant in the room? The Lamborghini Huracán shares the R8’s platform and V10 engine. So which is faster?
On paper, the Huracán edges ahead. The Huracán Evo produces 640 horsepower (compared to 602 in the R8), hits 60 mph in approximately 2.9 seconds, and tops out at 201-211 mph depending on variant.[6] Drag race videos show the two cars running nearly identical times through the quarter mile.
| Specification | Audi R8 V10 Performance | Lamborghini Huracán Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 602 hp | 640 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 443 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 2.9 sec | 2.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 205 mph | 202-211 mph |
| Curb Weight | 3,560 lbs | ~3,400 lbs (dry) |
Source: Car and Driver, LamboCars[6][7]
But numbers don’t capture the full picture. The R8 delivers a more refined driving experience—better visibility, more comfortable seats, and a cabin that doesn’t assault you with every imperfection in the road. The Huracán prioritizes drama and theater.[8] Both are incredibly fast, but the R8 works better as a car you’d actually live with daily.
If you’re considering Audi’s performance lineup, check out our guide on the best Audi sports cars for alternatives still in production.
The R8 GT: Fastest and Final
Audi saved its best for last. The 2023 R8 GT was the most capable R8 ever produced—and it’s now the most collectible.[2]
Limited to just 150 units in the US, the GT featured rear-wheel drive paired with a new Torque Rear drive mode that allows precise, controlled oversteer on track.[2] The engine remained at 602 horsepower, making the GT the most powerful rear-wheel-drive series production Audi ever made.[2]
The GT hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and topped out at 199 mph—slightly slower than the quattro Performance model because RWD cars sacrifice some acceleration traction.[2] But the GT wasn’t about straight-line speed. It was about driver engagement, analog feel, and serving as a proper sendoff for Audi’s first supercar.
Pricing started at $253,290 before options.[9] Finding one now requires patience and a premium—assuming current owners are even willing to sell.
Why Audi Discontinued the R8
Production ended in early 2024 after nearly 17 years.[10] The last R8 rolled off the Böllinger Höfe assembly line in Germany at the end of Q1 2024, following a brief extension when sales picked up after discontinuation rumors spread.[11]
Several factors drove the decision. Emissions regulations made naturally aspirated V10 engines increasingly difficult to certify. The supercar market shifted toward electrification—Audi’s own e-tron GT now handles the performance flagship role. And perhaps most significantly, development resources needed to focus on EVs rather than updating an aging platform.
Audi has hinted at an R8 successor, but it won’t be internal combustion.[10] Any future R8 would likely be electric, following the industry trend established by cars like the Audi e-tron GT.
Buying a Used R8: Speed and Value
With no new R8s available, the used market is your only option. Prices have settled into a wide range depending on year, mileage, and condition.
Used R8s start around $70,000 for higher-mileage first-generation models.[12] Average transaction prices hover around $162,000 for well-maintained examples.[12] The 2023 model year and R8 GT variants command substantial premiums—expect $200,000+ for low-mileage Performance models and significantly more for limited editions.
What to watch for? The R8’s naturally aspirated V10 is generally reliable, but maintenance costs reflect its supercar status. Budget for carbon-ceramic brake replacement (common on high-performance variants), clutch wear on DCT transmissions, and the usual premium fuel and insurance requirements.
For context on Audi longevity, see our guide on how many miles Audis typically last.
Key Takeaways
- The Audi R8 V10 Performance reaches a top speed of 205 mph and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest naturally aspirated supercars ever produced.[1]
- The R8’s 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 602 horsepower and revs to 8,700 rpm, sharing its architecture with the Lamborghini Huracán but tuned for a more refined driving experience.[4]
- The limited-edition R8 GT—capped at 150 US units—served as the fastest rear-wheel-drive Audi ever made, hitting 60 mph in 3.3 seconds with a 199 mph top speed.[2]
- Audi discontinued the R8 in early 2024 after nearly 17 years of production, with used prices now averaging around $162,000 and ranging from $70,000 to well over $200,000.[11][12]
- Any future R8 successor will be electric rather than combustion-powered, as Audi shifts focus to EVs like the e-tron GT lineup.[10]
FAQs
Is the Audi R8 faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo?
It depends on which models you’re comparing. The R8 V10 Performance (2.9 sec 0-60, 205 mph top speed) matches the 911 Turbo in acceleration and exceeds it in top speed. The 911 Turbo S pulls ahead in 0-60 times at approximately 2.6 seconds. Both cars represent the pinnacle of their respective brands and compete closely in real-world conditions.[1]
Can you daily drive an Audi R8 at normal speeds?
Yes. Unlike some supercars, the R8 was designed for daily usability. It has 8 cubic feet of cargo space (enough for weekend bags), decent visibility, and comfortable seats.[6] The suspension adapts from sport to comfort mode, making city driving manageable. Fuel economy averages 14 mpg city and 22 mpg highway—not great, but reasonable for a V10 supercar.
Why does the RWD R8 have a lower top speed than the AWD version?
The RWD R8 GT tops out at 199 mph versus 205 mph for the AWD Performance model, despite identical horsepower.[2] This reflects gearing differences and the fact that AWD models can put power down more efficiently at high speeds. The RWD was tuned for driver engagement rather than outright top speed.
Will Audi make another R8?
Audi has hinted at an R8 successor but confirmed any future version would not use an internal combustion engine.[10] The brand’s performance focus has shifted to electric vehicles like the e-tron GT. A potential electric R8 could offer even faster acceleration than the V10, though it would obviously lack the signature exhaust note that defined the original.
References
- Acceleration Times. (n.d.). Audi R8 V10 Plus Mk II 0-60, Quarter Mile, Specs. https://accelerationtimes.com/models/audi-r8-plus
- Audi USA Media Center. (2022). The Limited Edition Audi R8 GT is the Most Powerful RWD Audi Ever. https://media.audiusa.com/releases/556
-
GearShifters. (2022). What Is The Top Speed Of An Audi R8.
What Is The Top Speed Of An Audi R8
- Audi USA Media Center. (2018). Tech Talk: Making the Audi R8 V10 Engine Fast and Robust. https://media.audiusa.com/view/releases/404
-
Reddit r/cars. (2015). 2017 R8 V10 Plus the Fastest NA Car from 0-60 MotorTrend Has Ever Tested.
2017 R8 V10 Plus the fastest NA car from 0-60 MotorTrend has ever tested – 2.6 sec.
byu/PeaceBay incars -
LamboCars. (2023). Audi R8 vs Lamborghini Huracan.
Audi R8 vs Lamborghini Huracan
- Car and Driver. (2022). 2023 Audi R8 V10 Performance quattro Features and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/r8/specs
- YouTube – Bros Four R Speed. (2024). Lamborghini Huracan vs Audi R8 | Are These V10 Supercars Any Different?
- Car and Driver. (2022). 2023 Audi R8 GT Is a Playful, Traction-Limited Goodbye. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a42026520/2023-audi-r8-gt-drive/
- F1rst Motors. (2024). The Last R8 Has Rolled Off the Line. https://f1rstmotors.com/news/The-R8-is-dead
- Kelley Blue Book. (2024). Reports: Audi Extends R8 Production. https://www.kbb.com/car-news/reports-audi-extends-r8-production/
- Accio. (2025). Audi R8 Price Trends 2025: New Model Gains vs. Used Market. https://www.accio.com/business/audi_r8_price_trends
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
