Audi R8 (2023)
A thrilling, usable V10 supercar with timeless appeal, though dated and costly to run.
The Audi R8 (2023) is a last-of-the-line supercar for drivers who want exotic excitement without exotic-car anxiety. Its defining feature, the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, delivers instant response and a soundtrack experts and owners find nearly irreplaceable, while the mid-engine balance and available quattro traction make its speed unusually approachable. Comfort, visibility, and daily usability support Audi’s practical-supercar claim, though feedback also reveals dated infotainment, limited storage, vague steering, poor fuel economy, and costly brakes and maintenance. At roughly $160,000 to $250,000 new, it is expensive beside sharper or newer rivals, but final-year significance adds emotional and collector value. Overall appeal depends on how much you prioritize V10 character and everyday usability over technology, efficiency, and outright precision.
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Benefits
Naturally aspirated power and sound make ordinary drives feel genuinely special and memorable.
Comfortable ride, clear visibility, and refined cabin make frequent driving less demanding than rivals.
Mid-engine balance, predictable handling, and strong brakes help drivers enjoy speed without constant corrections.
Timeless styling and exotic proportions create excitement and conversation without needing flashy customization.
Front and rear storage, easy visibility, and compact dimensions make errands and trips more manageable.
Trade-Offs
Low seats and cramped legroom make getting in, out, and settling uncomfortable repeatedly.
Small storage means routine luggage or groceries quickly become awkward to fit and organize.
The single-screen setup makes passenger controls and wired phone use awkward during everyday trips.
Poor mileage turns longer drives into more frequent refueling stops, interrupting otherwise easy travel.
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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
MotorTrend’s Billy Rehbock remains deeply enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, calling it a dazzling supercar even in its twilight years. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 delivers spectacular power, grip, sound, and everyday usability, making the R8 compelling as a daily driver, canyon carver, track car, or future collectible. The upcoming R8 GT provides a fitting finale with 602 horsepower, rear-drive adjustability, quicker shifts, and a 199-mph top speed. Still, the review isn’t blind to shortcomings: the transmission can feel sluggish, dynamic steering may become unpredictable near its ratio-change threshold, cargo space is limited, fuel economy is poor, and driver-assistance technology is sparse. Even so, Rehbock’s affection clearly outweighs those flaws. His recommendation is essentially that anyone wanting a high-revving V-10 supercar should buy one now, before this era ends.
By Billy Rehbock
Edmunds is highly impressed by the 2023 Audi R8, especially its thrilling V10 performance and composed handling. The review portrays it as an unusually approachable supercar: acceleration is extraordinary, steering is communicative, braking is trustworthy, and the ride remains comfortable enough for everyday driving. Its understated, beautifully finished cabin, quiet refinement, and intuitive MMI system add polish, while the engine’s sound provides the emotional centerpiece. Practicality is understandably limited, with scarce storage, awkward access for taller occupants, and less usable space than a Porsche 911. Fuel economy is also poor, and newer driver-assistance features are largely absent. Even so, Edmunds considers those compromises worthwhile because the R8 combines exotic pace with surprising ease of use. As a farewell to Audi’s naturally aspirated V10, it comes across as an exceptionally memorable and desirable final act.
By Dan Frio
Andrew Frankel of Motor Sport Magazine is highly enthusiastic about the Audi R8, calling it a superbly usable supercar and credible Porsche 911 alternative. He praises the rear-drive model’s thrilling V10, beautiful steering, and exceptionally forgiving chassis, arguing that it offers more than enough performance for public roads and may actually be preferable to the heavier, less balanced all-wheel-drive version. The enthusiasm is tempered by its steep price, scruffy interior, and painfully poor fuel economy, while the car’s impending replacement adds a note of regret. Frankel expects the successor to be faster and more technologically advanced but heavier and electric, making the current R8’s visceral engine and approachable character feel especially precious. Apart from the rougher Aston Martin Vantage, he sees little else that matches its combination of everyday usability, pace, and supercar excitement.
By Andrew Frankel
Driving’s Costa Mouzouris is thoroughly enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8 Performance RWD. He portrays it as an unusually intoxicating blend of a naturally aspirated V10’s sound, precise steering, immense braking power, and controllable rear-drive balance. On Gran Canaria’s narrow, blind-cornered mountain roads, the R8 feels reassuringly accurate, while at the racetrack it charges out of turns with remarkable grip and lets skilled drivers coax out predictable slides. Even when rain unsettles the track’s Cup2 tires, the electronics help recover the car before a spin. The steering feedback is somewhat muted, the Spyder lacks the Coupé’s optional carbon-fibre front anti-roll bar, and pricing was still unavailable, but these are minor qualifications in an otherwise rapturous account. Mouzouris views the R8’s roaring V10 as a fading automotive treasure, making this final-era performance Audi feel especially desirable.
By Costa Mouzouris
Will Sabel Courtney of Gear Patrol is strongly fond of the 2023 Audi R8, especially in rear-wheel-drive form. He considers it a compelling bargain among exotic cars: despite giving up some power and traction, the RWD version is cheaper, more playful, and eager to rotate on ordinary roads. The R8 also remains striking and attention-grabbing, while its naturally aspirated V10 delivers the character and sound that make it feel special. Still, Courtney sees clear signs of age. The single-screen cockpit makes Apple CarPlay awkward and limits passenger control, while cramped legroom trails newer rivals such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296. Ultimately, the R8’s appeal is wrapped in nostalgia and urgency: it is an unusually usable supercar whose emotional, combustion-powered personality may soon disappear, making the current model especially worth appreciating while it lasts.
By Will Sabel Courtney
Motor1.com’s Seyth Miersma is warmly enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, treating its final production year as an emotional farewell to a career-defining supercar. His brief track drive at Laguna Seca leaves him impressed by the rear-drive model’s subtle steering, enormous grip, and “palpitating” naturally aspirated V10, though he was understandably more cautious with 562 horsepower sent only to the rear wheels. The review is less a conventional road test than a personal retrospective, recalling unforgettable drives in earlier R8s, the glorious gated manual, the old R Tronic’s clunkiness, and even an unfortunate pothole-induced tire failure. Miersma admits he did not develop many fresh technical insights during the last-lap event, directing readers to a more comprehensive test, but his huge post-drive smile makes the verdict unmistakable: the R8 remains a spectacular, characterful machine whose retirement feels genuinely bittersweet.
By Seyth Miersma
YouTube
12 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
carwowMat Watson is overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the Audi R8 Spider, calling it his favorite long-term test car in 20 years. After nine months and nearly 9,000 miles, he praises its glorious naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, superb sound, comfort, visibility, all-weather quattro traction, and everyday usability. He also appreciates the carbon-ceramic brakes and striking specification. However, inconsistent launches, costly fuel, limited practicality, no adaptive cruise control or dampers, awkward infotainment, missing ISOFIX points, cheap-feeling paddles, and minor rattles temper the experience. Ultimately, the R8’s emotional character more than outweighs its flaws.
Throttle HouseThrottle House is enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8 GT, but ultimately sees it as an expensive, slightly underwhelming finale. They praise the naturally aspirated 602-hp V10, sharper dual-clutch shifts, dramatic sound, rear-drive balance, and surprising everyday usability. The GT feels exciting yet approachable rather than truly track-focused, though, and its added carbon fiber, aero, and limited production do not fully justify the roughly $250,000-plus price. Compared with a Huracán, Porsche 911 Turbo S, or Corvette Z06, it is less intense and less capable. They view the GT as a collector’s item, while the older gated-manual V8 R8 offers purer value and engagement.
CarfectionHenry Catchpole is highly enthusiastic about the Audi R8 V10 Performance, especially its glorious naturally aspirated V10 and approachable supercar character. He praises the ferocious acceleration, secure mid-engine handling, Quattro traction, effortless dual-clutch gearbox, and everyday usability, arguing that it makes an ideal introduction to supercars without feeling tame. He also enjoys its track ability, where it can feel like a mid-engine rally car. Still, he criticizes the facelift’s fake aerodynamic vents, dated Audi-like cabin, oversized steering-wheel paddles, and slightly heavy feel. Overall, he views the R8 as an exceptionally usable, thrilling supercar worth enjoying before naturally aspirated V10s disappear.
Doug DeMuroDoug DeMuro is highly enthusiastic about the Audi R8, calling it fast, thrilling, and an exceptional bargain among supercars. He especially loves the naturally aspirated V10’s sound and relentless power, plus the R8’s rare combination of everyday usability, restrained styling, and Lamborghini Huracán-level hardware. The rear-wheel-drive model feels slightly less immediate and precise than true exotic rivals, while its aging technology, lack of adaptive cruise control, limited storage, and rising $150,000-plus price are notable drawbacks. Still, Doug views the final V10 R8 as an exciting, increasingly special swan song.
AutotraderRory is highly enthusiastic about the Audi R8, calling it one of his favorite supercars and a “thinking man’s Lamborghini.” He praises its naturally aspirated V10, instant throttle response, rapid dual-clutch gearbox, comfortable daily manners, refined cabin, visibility, and ability to switch from relaxed grand tourer to ferocious performer. He considers it better value than a Huracán for many buyers. Criticisms include excessive fake exterior trim, confusing all-in-one infotainment, cheap-feeling paddle shifters, muted sound, less communicative handling than a 911 or Lamborghini, and mandatory expensive carbon-ceramic brakes. Overall, he sees the R8 as exceptionally versatile and rewarding.
MilesPerHrMilesPerHr is deeply enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, treating its final-year V10 as a genuinely emotional farewell. He praises the 602-hp naturally aspirated engine, intoxicating 8,600-rpm soundtrack, confident Quattro grip, comfortable ride, tight turning circle, and everyday usability. The launch control run reaches 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, reinforcing its supercar pace. Still, he criticizes the vague dynamic steering, cheap-feeling plastic shift paddles, dated cabin, and occasional low-speed dual-clutch lurches. Ultimately, he considers the R8 slightly behind newer supercars on outright speed, but uniquely special, approachable, and increasingly collectible.
ReDrivenReDriven is deeply enthusiastic about the first-generation Audi R8, despite its costly aging components. They praise its timeless design, durable interior, engaging steering, naturally aspirated V10 soundtrack, and unusually visceral feel—arguing it is more characterful than the newer R8. However, buyers should budget seriously for recurring MagneRide failures, expensive brakes, air-conditioning repairs, corrosion, dated infotainment, and specialist maintenance. The verdict is strongly positive but conditional: a carefully inspected, fully documented example could become a future classic, provided ownership costs are genuinely affordable.
CAR magazineJames Dennison is deeply enthusiastic about the Audi R8, calling it one of the greatest and most influential supercars ever made. He admires its naturally aspirated V10, unforgettable sound, approachable balance, excellent visibility, and unusually usable Audi cabin, arguing that it made everyday supercar ownership feel realistic. The R8’s calm, confidence-inspiring character remains a major strength, though its variable steering feels overly heavy and short on feedback, while sharper rivals offer greater precision. Even with those shortcomings and signs of age, Dennison views the final-year R8 as an effortlessly cool, genuinely special farewell to the V10 era.
Ben HardyBen Hardy is highly enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, calling it an unusually well-rounded, daily-driveable supercar. He loves the naturally aspirated V10’s instant response, dramatic sound, sharp performance, and lighter rear-wheel-drive feel, while finding the seats, visibility, and ride surprisingly usable. Compared with the Porsche 911 Turbo S, he considers the R8 more exciting and emotionally engaging, though the Porsche has slightly better steering and luxury-car refinement. His main reservations are the somewhat awkward driver-centered controls, limited practicality, and firm ride, but he would personally choose the R8.
Gok's Car LoungeGok’s Car Lounge is unabashedly enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, treating its naturally aspirated V10 as a thrilling farewell to analog supercars. The reviewer praises its intoxicating sound, rapid performance, handsome design, comfortable ride, approachable Quattro confidence, and surprisingly usable technology and cabin. He considers the R8 a genuine supercar that remains easy to drive daily and potentially excellent value, especially against Lamborghini alternatives. Criticisms are limited to an aging, somewhat underwhelming interior, pixelated displays, and awkward instrument-cluster integration. Although he does not test it on track, his emotional verdict is clear: this is a memorable, highly desirable modern classic.
MVL Fine CarsNemo is strongly positive about the 2023 Audi R8, calling it the ideal final modern V10. He admires its glorious sound, mid-engine balance, refined cabin, visibility, comfort, and everyday practicality, especially compared with the Lamborghini Huracán. The rear-wheel-drive version feels engaging and can step out, but Nemo cautions that it is less forgiving than front-engine sports cars and loses straight-line traction versus the quattro model. He also criticizes its subdued character, fake vents, cost-cutting details, small shift paddles, and lack of Lamborghini drama. Overall, he views it as an exceptionally well-rounded, usable supercar rather than the most theatrical one.
FINRlifeNick is highly enthusiastic about the Audi R8, calling it a gorgeous, timeless, genuinely daily-drivable supercar with ferocious acceleration, precise handling, premium materials, and an unforgettable naturally aspirated V10 soundtrack. After three months with his 2018 R8 V10 Plus, he found the lack of a center screen and poorly integrated, wired Apple CarPlay frustrating, while a warranty repair caused additional cosmetic damage and weeks of downtime. Still, those issues were minor compared with the car’s strengths; he sold it only because an unexpected replacement opportunity arose and would gladly own an R8 again.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are broadly enthusiastic about the 2023 Audi R8, especially its timeless design and exotic character. They praise the naturally aspirated V10, dramatic sound, rapid shifting, Lamborghini-derived hardware, and unusual blend of supercar presence with everyday usability. The cabin’s screen-free, driver-focused layout has devoted defenders, though others find it dated. Criticism centers on the R8 GT’s steep price, perceived parts-bin approach, limited improvements over earlier generations, and costly ownership. Enthusiasts generally view the R8 as a modern classic, while shoppers weigh newer technology against the appeal and value retention of earlier manual models.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •V10 Engine DramaNaturally aspirated V10 delivers dramatic sound.
- •Approachable Supercar UsabilityDesigned for daily supercar usability.
- •Balanced Mid-Engine HandlingMid-engine layout supports predictable handling.
- •Supercar AccelerationAdvertised to deliver 602-hp pace.
Considerations
- •Poor Fuel EconomyFrequent refueling raises everyday running costs.
- •Aging Cabin TechnologyInfotainment and displays feel increasingly dated.
- •Limited Interior SpaceTwo seats and scarce storage restrict practicality.
- •Muted Steering FeedbackElectric steering can feel heavy or vague.
The Audi R8 remains Audi’s approachable flagship supercar and a final salute to the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10. Built for enthusiasts who want exotic pace without exotic-car intimidation, it blends mid-engine balance, refined comfort, and daily usability more convincingly than sharper rivals such as the Lamborghini Huracán or Porsche 911 Turbo S. Its 602-hp versions deliver serious acceleration, while quattro traction inspires confidence and rear-drive models add playful adjustability. The sections ahead examine how its steering, adaptive dampers, dual-clutch gearbox, and carbon-ceramic brakes shape the experience on ordinary roads and demanding drives alike. They also consider the dated cabin, limited storage, and running costs—important trade-offs for commuters, weekend drivers, and collectors weighing character against newer technology. The R8’s magic is not simply how fast it goes, but how easily it makes that speed feel special, so explore the details before the V10’s curtain call.
Handling and Steering
The R8 feels reassuringly balanced rather than intimidating, thanks to its mid-engine layout and predictable chassis. Quattro versions provide confidence in changing conditions, while Performance RWD models add playful rotation and a selectable drift mode. Expert and driver feedback supports the car’s accuracy and stability, particularly on winding roads, but steering criticism is consistent enough to note: the electric steering can feel vague or heavy, especially compared with a Porsche 911 or Lamborghini Huracán. It is approachable, though not always the most communicative.
Acceleration and Traction
The R8 delivers supercar-level acceleration without demanding exotic-car reflexes. Depending on trim and test conditions, 0–60 mph takes roughly 2.9 to 3.3 seconds, with high-output versions reaching about 199 mph. Quattro traction makes hard launches remarkably secure, while rear-drive models sacrifice some straight-line grip for greater adjustability and involvement. Launch control helps produce repeatable starts, although one long-term review found launches inconsistent. Overall, the car’s grip and confidence make its speed unusually usable on public roads.
Dual-Clutch Transmission
The R8’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts rapidly and suits both relaxed cruising and aggressive driving. Paddle inputs, launch control, and selectable drive modes let the driver access the V10’s broad performance without managing a manual clutch. Reviews generally praise its speed, though some note low-speed lurches, occasional hesitation, or sluggish response in less aggressive settings. The GT’s quicker shift calibration improves the finale’s urgency, but cheap-feeling paddles and dated controls slightly undermine an otherwise effective transmission.
Braking Performance
The R8’s carbon-ceramic brake system provides the stopping authority expected from a 600-hp supercar, with large 381-mm front and 355.6-mm rear rotors in the listed configuration. Reviewers describe braking as powerful, trustworthy, and suitable for repeated hard use, supporting confidence on roads and tracks. The downside is ownership cost: replacement carbon-ceramic components can be extremely expensive, and some reviewers criticize their mandatory status on certain versions. They are a major performance strength, but not a low-cost feature.
Naturally Aspirated V10
The R8’s 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 is its defining reason to choose it over newer turbocharged rivals. It builds power smoothly to an approximately 8,600-rpm redline, delivering 562 hp in RWD versions or 602 hp in higher-output trims, with an unforgettable soundtrack and immediate throttle response. Reviews consistently praise that character, while measured performance confirms serious pace. The trade-off is poor fuel economy, and the emotional engine experience matters more here than outright efficiency or cutting-edge hybrid technology.
Ride Quality and Suspension
The R8 is unusually comfortable for a mid-engine supercar, making frequent driving more realistic than its appearance suggests. Its double-wishbone suspension with adaptive dampers can balance compliant cruising and controlled body motion, while the GT receives more focused tuning. Reviewers praise the ride, visibility, and calm manners, although some describe firmer behavior in performance-oriented configurations. The Spyder also misses the Coupé’s optional carbon-fiber front anti-roll bar. This is a strong usability advantage, but not an especially track-extreme setup.
Conclusion
The R8’s final chapter is easiest to understand as a choice of character over cutting-edge polish: its naturally aspirated V10 delivers the sound, response, and high-revving drama that owners and experts find hard to replace. Mid-engine balance and quattro traction make its acceleration reassuringly accessible, while rear-drive versions add playful adjustability; the compromise is muted steering feedback versus sharper rivals. Its adaptive suspension brings uncommon comfort, and the dual-clutch gearbox is usually rapid, though low-speed lurches and occasional hesitation remain. Carbon-ceramic brakes provide formidable stopping power, but replacement costs reinforce the car’s expensive ownership profile. Add dated cabin technology, limited storage, and poor fuel economy, and this is not the practical or value-focused choice. It suits enthusiasts, frequent weekend drivers, and collectors who prioritize emotional performance and final-year significance—an unusually usable supercar whose strengths justify its premium, but whose compromises prevent an unqualified recommendation.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Acceleration
5/5
Handling Agility
4/5
Braking Performance
5/5
Ride Quality
4/5
Powertrain Refinement
4/5
Long-Term Reliability
4/5
Cargo Utility
2/5
Value
Performance Value
4/5
Ownership Cost
2/5
Resale Retention
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
5/5
Interior Ambiance
4/5
Seating Support
4/5
Cabin Ergonomics
4/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
TBD
Noise Exposure
3/5
Safety
Crash Protection
TBD
Driver Assistance
2/5
High-Speed Control
5/5
Visibility
5/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
1/5
Emissions Performance
TBD
Material Efficiency
3/5
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Driving Engagement
5/5
Everyday Usability
4/5
Customization Flexibility
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
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