2021 Audi R8 Review

　　

2021 Audi R8 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Audi has plenty of go-fast vehicles these days, ranging from the accessible S3 sedan to the bonkers RS Q8 performance SUV. Yet there's no Audi that turns more heads than the R8, the brand's halo sports car. Evocative styling and a high-revving naturally aspirated V10 engine are the standout highlights here, yet it also delivers a healthy dose of thrilling performance and respectable comfort. It's an exotic sports car that you can drive every day.

　　For 2021, the R8 revives the rear-wheel-drive model that was previously limited to a few hundred examples for the U.S. back in 2018. Now, it represents the entry-level R8, supporting the more powerful all-wheel-drive R8 Performance Quattro. Also debuting this year is the Panther Edition (limited to only 30 examples for the U.S.) that brings some sinister looks with a splash of brilliant red.

　　No matter which R8 inspires you, it'll deliver thrills in abundance in a sharp and modern package. It's a worthy rival to other sport coupes that include the Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and Acura NSX. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our full evaluation of the R8's performance, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the R8 drive? The Audi R8 V10 Performance delivers the performance expected of an exotic sports car. Acceleration is otherworldly, reaching 60 mph in only 3.0 seconds. Handling is also unflappable, and the brakes are consistent and trustworthy.

　　What's surprising, though, is how easy it is to explore its incredible capabilities and how pleasant it drives when you're not dropping the hammer. Besides the power, braking and grip, the R8's steering contributes a lot to the overall experience, with appropriate effort at low and high speeds, quick responses, and a decent amount of feedback.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the R8? Comfort doesn't suffer as a result of the R8's impressive performance capabilities. The ride quality is appropriately stiff but not jarring. It has just enough compliance to filter out harsh impacts, and the standard R8's adaptive suspension should give an even broader range. The interior is also praiseworthy for its ability to keep road and wind noise at bay, allowing you to enjoy the glorious V10 growl.

　　We really only knock the R8 Performance for the sport seats that have no seatback adjustments. The side bolstering is also a bit too aggressive, which could be problematic for wider-bodied passengers. The seats in the base R8 are more accommodating but slightly less sporty.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The sleek, understated design blends with high technology for a modern cabin that's easy to acclimate to. Getting in doesn't require any contortions, but the low seats and roofline, combined with a wide side sill, will require a bit more effort from taller occupants. For the average-size driver, the aggressive seats and cockpit will fit like a tailored suit, but larger occupants might feel as if things have shrunk a bit in the wash.

　　The R8 gives the sensation of a more spacious coupe, with a simple dash and no central infotainment screen. Functions typically operated through touchscreens are moved to the instrument panel and controlled by numerous steering wheel controls.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Audi's MMI infotainment system remains one of the best in the industry for its wide array of functions and ease of use. Some people, though, may be initially thrown off by having almost all functions run through the instrument panel instead of secondary screens. Some of the more advanced safety features are absent, but in an engaging sports car like this, they're not missed.

　　

Storage

6.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Sports cars aren't regarded for their practicality, and mid-engine cars typically come up shorter than others in this area. Cargo room and interior storage are limited in the R8, but there's enough space to stow bags for a weekend getaway for two.

　　The narrow but deep front trunk holds about 8 cubic feet and can accommodate a small carry-on suitcase or a couple of duffel bags. There is also a narrow shelf behind the seats, but it's not quite as accommodating as the one in the Porsche 911. Interior storage is scarce, with a few small bins and shallow pockets to store your personal items.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 16 mpg combined. We averaged 19.9 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route. That's a good sign, but driving efficiently requires extraordinary restraint (our overall average was a more dismal 13.3 mpg). Other sports cars are more frugal with fuel.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the R8 a good value? The R8 can cost as much as a nice condo. But as a wise person once said, "You can sleep in a car, but you can't drive a house." What you get for the money is one of the most technologically advanced sports cars that'll make you feel like a million bucks. That's a great ROI.

　　All materials are top-shelf, and the R8 feels as if it was carved out of a single block of aluminum. Every button and knob has a solid weight and movement to it, which showcases the best of what Audi can do.

　　

Wildcard

10.0/10

　　The Audi R8 may get points deducted for convenience and seat comfort, but the payoff in performance and entertainment far outweighs those factors. Sports cars like this are built to exhilarate, and the R8 delivers with a heady dose of acceleration and ultra-confident handling.

　　The Audi R8 is more of a stealth fighter among its flashier exotic kin, even with its 10-cylinder engine exposed under glass. Its design looks refined and purposeful, and the R8 would be equally in its element parked in front of an opera house or rolling through the paddock of a racetrack.

　　

Which R8 does zzdcar recommend?

We have no doubt that the vast majority of drivers will be overjoyed with the R8 RWD. It has more than enough power and overall performance to thrill. You'll also save a bundle of cash compared to the all-wheel-drive R8 Performance Quattro.

　　

2021 Audi R8 models

The 2021 Audi R8 is available as either a two-seat sport coupe or convertible (Spyder). Two trim levels are offered: the R8 RWD, which is rear-wheel-drive, and the R8 Performance Quattro, which is all-wheel-drive. The Spyder versions are identically outfitted to the coupes and add a sound-insulated power-folding cloth roof and power glass wind blocker. There's also a limited Panther Edition for 2021. Many features can be substituted between RWD and Performance trims as options.

　　R8 RWD

　　Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10 engine (532 horsepower, 398 lb-ft of torque) paired to seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include:

　　20-inch wheels Power-folding, heated mirrors with auto dimming Auto-deploying rear spoiler Automatic climate control Leather upholstery Heated seats Digital instrument panel Navigation system Satellite radio Wireless charging pad with signal booster Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Automatic high beams Front and rear parking sensorsAn optional Premium package adds:

　　Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Faux suede interior treatments Extended leather upholsteryPanther Edition

　　The 2022 R8 Panther Edition is limited to only 30 units for the U.S. market and is based on the R8 RWD. Additional features include:

　　Unique color-shifting black/purple paint Red and black interior and exterior elements Black and carbon-fiber exterior accents Racing-style seats with fixed backrests Bang & Olufsen premium audio system Sport exhaust systemR8 Performance

　　The R8 Performance gets a power increase (602 hp, 413 lb-ft) over the R8 RWD. It also has:

　　All-wheel drive Ceramic brake rotors Fixed rear spoiler Sport exhaust system Upgraded headlights Carbon-fiber accents Racing seats with fixed backrests

　　

2021 R8 Highlights

Type: CoupeConvertibleCoupe

　　Trim: BaseperformanceBase

　　

Base MSRP	$142,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$262/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles