2020 Audi R8

The 2020 Audi R8 uses the same engine as its predecessors, a naturally aspirated FSI V10. It has been tweaked this year so the power output has been increased to 562 horsepower. Additionally, the car produces 406 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel the car from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Not bad for a car that, even with its Performance package, does not cost more than $200,000.

While the car has improved to deliver a more fierce performance, so has its competition. True, naturally aspirated engines provide a thrill that no other turbo-fiddle can match. Still, the compromise for both power and fuel efficiency seems a costly trade-off, like the Acura NSX and the 911 Turbo goes on to prove.

The R8 coupe is available in two trims. The base trim is powerful enough with its 5.2L FSI V10 that gives out 562 horsepower, a jump of 30 hp from the previous year. For those looking to edge out the competition, there is the R8 Performance can surely please with its upgraded V10 that now produces 611 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Both the trims are largely similar everywhere else. The Performance trim grants you access to put more carbon-fiber around the interior and exterior of the car, making it look like a proper supercar.

Which trim to go for?

Though the Performance trim certainly has better appeal, we recommend sticking to the base trim since it is an all-in-one package. It is technically slower but that doesn’t mean it is any less fun to drive. In the end, you will be glad to save an extra 24 grand for a 0.2-second slower 0-60 time.

Powering the all-new 2020 Audi R8 Coupe is a 5.2L FSI V10. It is untouched by any supercharger or turbocharger feathering. Thus, it is quick to deliver the power of 562 horses as soon as you put your foot down. While it lacks the exhilaration of similarly powered cars, it does provide a good balance between practicality and all-out performance. It can be a good cruise when driven in Comfort mode or tear up the back roads with Sport mode.

If you want more power and don’t mind driving around as if you were in a big plastic box, the GT-R would suit you much better. Moreover, the R8 is no match for the 911’s legendary handling and a Porsche Doppel Kuplung transmission.

How fast is the Audi R8?

The R8 gives an instantaneous response off the line. Its acceleration is sweet but controlled. You don’t get a breakneck-worthy start, but it will go to 60 mph from naught in 3.3 sec, which is more than good enough. The top speed is 202 mph, which is greater than both the Nissan GT-R Track Edition(196 mph) and the Acura NSX(191 mph).

How well does the Audi R8 perform on the braking front?

The latest update to the R8 Spyder gives carbon-ceramic brakes as standard to all trims. This gives it a very good braking power over the rest of its competition. It can come to a full stop from moving at 60 mph within 97 feet. It is only a slither past the 95-feet braking distance of 570S spider, making it the second-best braking car in its segment. No small feat, considering the Audi weighs more than 3,700 lbs.

Speaking of weight, the GT-R offers a similar braking performance even if at a 200-pound disadvantage. Still, the R8 performs better than the 911 Turbo, owing to its excellent Quattro AWD and superior ABS.

What about the ride and handling of the R8?

Audi won many rally championships back in the day when they first introduced the Quattro 4WD drive system. Fast forward to today, and the advanced Quattro system within the Audi R8 Coupe still carries on the legacy in a high note. You can use the R8 to commute every day, and still be ready when the moment is right and you fancy a race. The four drive modes on the Audi Drive-Select lets the car know if you want a relaxing drive across Route 66 or a blistering lap of Laguna Seca. The suspension is equipped with magnetic fluid pistons and adjust according to the same settings.

The AWD drivetrain keeps the car in control of the driver at all times. The steering feels nimble and to-the-point. A great choice to have some fast-paced fun around the track. But don’t go expecting long drifts even with the traction control turned off. Additionally, several driver assist systems make the car semi-autonomous for long drives.

The official EPA rating has not been given to the 2020 R8 Coupe. However, the 5.2L V10 has been optimized better than ever before. According to Audi, it would provide the R8 with fuel economy better than any of the cars in its segment, giving a 20 mpg on the highway. Along with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank, it is the car to take you for a grand tour.

Unlike most supercars, the Audi R8 Coupe focuses on the overall experience of the occupants rather than pure performance. The 2020 update gives the car some enhanced acoustics to make it a bit quieter in the cabin. The interiors are laid out in beautiful hand-crafted Nappa leather, pleasing to both sight and touch. Audi provides a wider range of materials to choose from. The Performance trim can grant you access to enough carbon fiber that would cause the McLaren 570S to double-check itself in the mirror.

There is plenty of room in the seats, despite the fact this is a mid-engine car with a massive engine. The seats are 8-way power adjustable and the steering wheel is tilting-and-telescopic. There is also a dual-zone climate control standard for all trims. All these features make the comfort level reach a height where you can’t get cramped or tired even after a long drive.

Does the Audi R8 come with a feature-loaded infotainment system?

In a nutshell, Yes. As does the interior shine for the R8 Coupe, so does the infotainment system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit comes as standard. It boasts a 12.3-inch interactive display at the center console. The touchscreen is easy to use and customizable. Although the voice control is not that great, Audi does equip the R8 with an MMI touch tech, enabling you to write instructions in your own hand rather than navigate through screens. And then there is the awesome 13-speaker 550-Watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. It provides the quality of sound most closed-door concerts don’t match, so it may give the Burmester audio system on the Mercedes AMG GT some close competition.

The screen also serves as a display for the rear-view parking camera. Once you activate Sport mode, it changes to show your lap times, instantaneous power output, G-level, and other performance-focused statistics. All this can help shave those precious seconds so you could have bragging rights for being the fastest around your local track.

Is the Audi R8 any good in terms of the Cargo carrying capacity?

Audi R8 Coupe is certainly more practical than any of its predecessors. Even if the roof is taken into account, the R8 has a trunk volume of 6 cubic feet, only 2 less than the coupe. It offers the ability to carry a few bags on your next trip. Though not much impressive to the casual user, it is certainly better than most other convertibles.

Well, that's a Yes again. Audi has been busy with giving the 2020 R8 Coupe a facelift. The headlights are darker and now located on a sharper edge. There are 3 faux inlets above the grille, clearly inspired by the R8 LMS GT3 and GT4 race cars. The chin spoiler comes in black or gold as standard. However, with an extra $4,800 you can get the carbon-fiber exterior package. This makes the R8 look like a proper supercar, with carbon fiber compartment trim, side-blades and spoiler.

The color schemes also get an update, with a wider range of colors to choose from. Some new additions include the Kemora Gray and Ara Blue Crystal. The Performance trim allows you to blackout all Audi badges and paints the brake calipers as red.

Audi R8 Coupe is certainly a high-headed car. It has a ground clearance of 4.3 inches with an optional 2-inch lift, making it suitable for speed bumps on city roads. Its roof also sits 49 inches above the ground, giving it a decent height and more practicality. This gives you the ability to reach those drive-through windows present in your favorite to-go restaurants, rather than a Porsche where you may have to park and get out of your car to actually eat something.

There most likely won’t be any crash tests for the 2020 Audi R8, either by the NHTSA or the IIHS. Nevertheless, you can be rest assured to be safe to drive it. The R8 Spyder has enough tech in place to ensure no crash happens at all. Several driving assists are present in the R8, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assists. The car is also equipped with Audi Parking Control, a system that prevents any collision when your car is backing out or going into a parking spot. All thanks to an array of ultrasonic sensors enveloping the skirts of the car.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control(ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact beams
• Dual-Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Airbags
• Audi Parking System with Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Dual-stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Curtain 1^stRow Airbags
• Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts
• Back-Up Camera

Audi R8 Coupe vs Porsche 911 Turbo

There is no doubt that the 911 Turbo is much more suited for the track. It is born of the Nurburgring and feels right at home when devouring corners with fierce, aggressive tempo. However, the Audi R8 is more of a performance-touring hybrid. When going for a relaxing cruise along the back roads, you can clearly notice the difference.

Audi R8 Coupe vs Acura NSX

While the R8 is a more conventional sports coupe, the NSX is a more modern take on the genre. More and more performance car variants now come with a gas-electric hybrid system that has less to do with saving Johnny the Polar Bear and more to provide a bit more punch when pressing down on the accelerator. The Acura NSX might beat the Audi R8 in a straight line, but when it comes to providing a more hands-on approach with maneuverability and luxury, the R8 stands superior any day of the week.

Audi R8 Coupe vs Nissan GT-R Track Edition

As the name suggests, the GT-R is for someone that values performance over anything else. Both the R8 and GT-R have their own pros and cons in terms of practicality. Audi’s infotainment is superior, yet the GT-R has a bigger boot. The R8 has more luxury while the GT-r can seat more people. Both the cars have powerful engines and AWD as standard, yet the GT-R wouldn’t be a dull choice. You are simply sacrificing the R8’s splendor for a bit more girth and a bit of extra cash.

The 2020 R8 Coupe will become available in US markets early next year. It shows much improvement, both as a sports car and a grand tourer. With more power and electronics combined with the tried-and-tested Audi technology, we might have the perfect balance of down-to-earth usability and loud-and-fast track fury. Audi is certainly heading in the right direction once again. Now we are even more excited to see what else Audi has got up their sleeves, especially with the R8 e-Tron, for the future.