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The Audi R8 can reach a top speed of 205 mph in its most powerful V10 Performance configuration, making it one of the fastest production Audis ever built[1]. The R8 accelerates from 0-60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds (V10 Performance) thanks to its 602-horsepower naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and quattro all-wheel drive[2]. Production of the R8 ended in March 2024 after a 17-year run, with the final 2023 model year representing the pinnacle of its performance capabilities[3].
Audi R8 Top Speed by Variant
The R8’s top speed varies depending on the specific model, generation, and trim level. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all variants[1][4]:
Second Generation (2016-2023)
| Model | Horsepower | Top Speed | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| R8 V10 (540 PS) | 532 hp | 200 mph[5] | 3.5 sec |
| R8 V10 Performance | 602 hp | 205 mph[1] | 2.8 sec[2] |
| R8 V10 Performance Spyder | 602 hp | 204 mph[6] | 3.2 sec |
| R8 GT (2023) | 602 hp | 199 mph[4] | 3.3 sec |
First Generation (2008-2015)
| Model | Horsepower | Top Speed | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| R8 V8 | 420 hp | 187 mph | 4.4 sec |
| R8 V10 | 518 hp | 196 mph[5] | 3.9 sec |
| R8 V10 Plus | 550 hp | 196 mph | 3.3 sec |
| R8 GT | 560 hp | 199 mph | 3.2 sec |
| R8 Competition | 570 hp | 199 mph[7] | 3.2 sec |
The second-generation R8 V10 Performance represents the absolute speed champion of the lineup, though real-world testing has shown some examples exceeding their official ratings. Road and Track documented a 2017 R8 V10 Plus reaching 201.6 mph on a 2.3-mile runway, and the car was still accelerating[8].
The 5.2-Liter V10 Engine
The heart of the R8’s speed is its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, shared with the Lamborghini Huracán[3].
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L DOHC V10[9] |
| Displacement | 5,204 cc (318 cubic inches)[10] |
| Max Power | 602 hp @ 8,700 rpm[9] |
| Max Torque | 413 lb-ft @ 6,700 rpm[9] |
| Redline | 8,700 rpm[11] |
| Valvetrain | 40-valve DOHC with variable timing[9] |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch[4] |
At 8,700 rpm, each piston in the R8’s V10 engine travels approximately 88.3 feet per second[11]. The engine features direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation technology to improve efficiency when full power isn’t needed[9].
What makes the R8’s V10 special is its natural aspiration. While most modern supercars use turbochargers for power, the R8 relies purely on displacement and high revs, producing one of the most visceral exhaust notes in the automotive world[8].
How the R8 Achieves Its Speed
Several engineering elements work together to deliver the R8’s impressive performance[3]:
Quattro All-Wheel Drive
The R8’s quattro system provides exceptional traction during acceleration. Unlike traditional AWD systems, the R8 uses a rear-biased setup that sends more power to the rear wheels while maintaining all-season grip[12].
Lightweight Construction
The R8 features an Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction combining aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The 2023 R8 GT weighs 3,516 pounds—remarkably light for a supercar of its capability[4].
S Tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission
The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox delivers lightning-fast shifts, crucial for maintaining momentum at high speeds. The transmission also enables launch control for consistent acceleration runs[4].
Aerodynamics
At top speed, aerodynamic stability becomes critical. The R8 features a flat underbody, functional rear diffuser, and available carbon fiber aerodynamic package to generate downforce without excessive drag.
Real-World Speed Testing
Independent testing has validated—and sometimes exceeded—Audi’s official performance claims[10]:
| Test | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 2.6 sec | Motor Trend (V10 Plus)[13] |
| 0-100 mph | 5.9 sec | Acceleration Times[10] |
| 0-150 mph | 17.9 sec | Acceleration Times[10] |
| 0-200 mph | ~28 sec | Acceleration Times[10] |
| Quarter mile | 11.1 sec @ 133 mph | Acceleration Times[10] |
| Top speed (runway) | 201.6 mph | Road and Track[8] |
Motor Trend recorded a 2.6-second 0-60 mph time for the R8 V10 Plus, making it the fastest naturally aspirated car they had ever tested at the time[13].
R8 vs Competitors: Speed Comparison
The R8 competes with other mid-engine supercars in its price range[6]:
| Vehicle | Top Speed | 0-60 mph | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi R8 V10 Performance | 205 mph[1] | 2.8 sec | 602 hp |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | 205 mph | 2.6 sec | 640 hp |
| Lamborghini Huracán | 202 mph | 2.9 sec | 631 hp |
| McLaren 570S | 204 mph | 3.1 sec | 562 hp |
| Ferrari F8 Tributo | 211 mph | 2.9 sec | 710 hp |
The R8 holds its own against turbocharged competitors despite relying solely on natural aspiration. Its advantage lies in instant throttle response and linear power delivery compared to turbo lag in some rivals[8].
For more Audi performance comparisons, see our Audi RS models guide.
The Final R8: 2023 GT Edition
The 2023 R8 GT was produced as a farewell to the supercar, limited to 333 units worldwide[3].
R8 GT Specifications:
- Power: 602 hp @ 8,700 rpm[9]
- Torque: 413 lb-ft @ 6,700 rpm[9]
- Top Speed: 199 mph[4]
- 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds[4]
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive only[4]
- MSRP: $249,092[4]
The GT was the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Audi ever produced[14]. Its slightly lower top speed compared to the quattro model is due to the RWD configuration limiting traction at maximum speeds.
Production of all R8 models ended in March 2024, with the final car being a Vegas Yellow R8 V10 Performance Quattro Edition[3]. Over 17 years, Audi produced 45,949 R8 units[3].
Key Takeaways
- The Audi R8 V10 Performance reaches a top speed of 205 mph, making it the fastest production Audi ever built
- The R8 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.8-3.2 seconds depending on variant, powered by a 602-hp naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine
- Motor Trend recorded a 2.6-second 0-60 time for the V10 Plus, the fastest naturally aspirated car they had ever tested
- Production ended in March 2024 after 17 years and 45,949 units, with the 2023 R8 GT serving as the farewell edition
- The R8 shares its engine and platform with the Lamborghini Huracán but offers better everyday usability at a lower price
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audi R8 the fastest Audi?
How does the R8 compare to the Lamborghini Huracán?
The Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracán share the same 5.2-liter V10 engine and platform[3]. The Huracán produces slightly more power (631 hp vs 602 hp) and has marginally higher top speed (202 mph vs 205 mph depending on variant). The R8 offers better everyday usability and a lower price point while the Huracán delivers more aggressive styling and exotic appeal.
Why was the Audi R8 discontinued?
Audi discontinued the R8 after the 2023 model year primarily due to declining sales and the brand’s shift toward electrification[15]. The naturally aspirated V10 engine couldn’t meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. The final R8 rolled off the production line in March 2024 after 17 years and nearly 46,000 units produced[3]. Audi has hinted at a potential R8 successor but confirmed it will not use a traditional internal combustion engine[16].
What is the fastest R8 ever made?
The 2019-2023 R8 V10 Performance quattro is the fastest production R8, with a factory-rated top speed of 205 mph and 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds[1][2]. In independent runway testing, examples have reached 201.6 mph with room to accelerate further[8]. Tuned R8s with aftermarket modifications have exceeded 210 mph in quarter-mile runs[17].
Can you daily drive an Audi R8?
Yes, the R8 was designed as an everyday supercar with better practicality than most mid-engine competitors. It features a front trunk for luggage, comfortable seats, and relatively supple ride quality in Comfort mode. Many owners use their R8s as daily drivers without issue, though fuel economy of 13 city / 18 highway mpg increases operating costs[4].
References
- Audi Dallas. (2024). What Are The Fastest Audi Models? https://www.audidallas.com/en/research/new-inventory/fastest-audi-models/
- Audi Freehold. (2024). What are the Fastest Audi Models 0-60 Times? https://www.audifreehold.com/en/fastest-audi-0-60-times/
- Audi MediaCenter. (2024). The Audi R8: a captivating legend. https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/press-releases/the-audi-r8-a-captivating-legend-16374
- Kelley Blue Book. (2023). 2023 Audi R8 Specs, Features & Options. https://www.kbb.com/audi/r8/2023/specs/
- Wikipedia. (2024). Audi R8 (Type 4S). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8_(Type_4S)
- CoPilot. (2024). Audi R8 Top Speed: How Fast Is It? https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/audi-r8-top-speed/
- Exotic Car Hacks. (2025). Audi R8 Review & Buyers Guide. https://www.exoticcarhacks.com/car-reviews/audi-r8-review-buyers-guide/
- Road & Track. (2020). Audi R8 V10 Plus 200 MPH Top Speed Runway Test Video. https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a32767305/audi-r8-v10-plus-202-mph-top-speed-runway-test/
- Edmunds. (2023). Used 2023 Audi R8 GT Specs & Features. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/r8/2023/st-401980785/features-specs/
- Acceleration Times. (2024). 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus Mk II 0-60, quarter mile, specs. https://accelerationtimes.com/models/audi-r8-plus
- Audi USA Media. (2018). Tech talk: Making the Audi R8 V10 engine fast and robust. https://media.audiusa.com/view/releases/404
- Audi USA. (2023). The Audi R8 Heritage. https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/r8/r8-heritage/2024/overview/
- Reddit r/cars. (2015). 2017 R8 V10 Plus the fastest NA car from 0-60 MotorTrend has ever tested – 2.6 sec. https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/3qm2jb/2017_r8_v10_plus_the_fastest_na_car_from_060/
- Car and Driver. (2022). 2023 Audi R8 GT Is a Playful Sendoff. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a42026520/2023-audi-r8-gt-drive/
- SlashGear. (2025). Why Did Audi Discontinue The R8? https://www.slashgear.com/1756970/audi-r8-discontinued-reason/
- Torque News. (2025). Supercar Fans Can Rejoice As The Audi R8 Is Not Going Away After All. https://www.torquenews.com/17992/supercar-fans-can-rejoice-audi-r8-not-going-away-after-all-however-it-will-be-different
- Instagram. (2025). The first Audi R8 to hit the 6s in the 1/4 mile! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIUKDixRASk/
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.
