2023 Audi R8 Convertible

2023 Audi R8 Convertible Review

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　Last chance for a last dance. The 2023 Audi R8 is the end of the line for the glorious naturally aspirated 10-cylinder-powered supercar, but its farewell is far from quiet. Audi is reviving the R8 GT as a special-edition model, with only 333 units to be produced worldwide and 150 of those headed for U.S. shores.

　　Executives have telegraphed the current R8's end for several years, as the brand moves purposefully toward an all-electric future. The R8's successor, whatever its eventual name, is expected sometime in the next two to three years and will use fully electric power.

　　For its 2023 swan song, the special-edition R8 GT is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and all of that power is sent to the rear wheels. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.3 seconds and keeps pulling up to a top track speed of 199 mph. This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with even quicker shifts, and the suspension comes with a carbon-fiber front stabilizer bar. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and ceramic brakes are also standard. The exterior is bedecked with all manner of carbon-fiber air ducts, winglets and spoilers.

　　We're sad to see the R8 go. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on 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.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the R8 Spyder drive? The R8 is one of the easiest exotic sports car to drive, whether it's on a racetrack or on your commute. Acceleration is, naturally, very quick thanks to 602 horsepower. The R8 Spyder reached 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds and stopped from that speed in 107 feet in zzdcar' testing.

　　The R8 Spyder's handling isn't as convincing as its straight-line performance. But no matter how you drive the R8 Spyder, the dual-clutch automatic transmission works better than most, offering smooth low-speed driving and quick shifts under full throttle.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the R8 Spyder? If you're 5-foot-10 or shorter, the R8 Spyder will fit you like a slim-fit tailored suit. The thinly padded seats are helped by a wealth of power adjustments, including side bolsters and an extendable thigh support. Long-distance comfort, though, is questionable. Ride quality is very smooth for an exotic car, and the R8 Spyder can absorb most impacts around town with ease. We were less impressed with the placement of the driver's side air vents, which managed to only cool the steering wheel.

　　Though we're partial to how good the R8's V10 engine sounds, some of your neighbors might not be so enamored. The R8 is almost excessively loud at startup. But once underway, the exhaust can be tailored for discretion or attention, depending on your mood.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below