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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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