The Audi R8 has come a long way since it was first unveiled in 2006. This iconic vehicle is credited for helping to kick off the modern supercar era, a period of impressive performance coupled with stylish design elements.
History of the R8
The Audi R8 was designed by Walter de’Silva and Frank Lamberty, who aimed to create a car that was both sporty and elegant. The design was modeled after the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car, which was an essential inspiration for de’Silva. The designers wanted to create something that was powerful and aggressive yet still stylish and refined. The result was the striking Audi R8.
- In 2007, the Audi R8 went into production. It featured a 4.2-litre engine that produced 414 bhp and a top speed of 187 mph. This allowed it to compete with cars from much higher price brackets. It also featured aluminum space frame construction to reduce weight, an all-wheel-drive system, and revolutionary suspension and braking technology.
- In 2008, the now-iconic V10 engine was first introduced, producing 525 bhp and rocketing the car up to 200 mph. This powerful engine was coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission to make the R8 an even more formidable opponent on the road.
- In 2014, Audi released their second generation of the R8, featuring significant upgrades such as an all-new aluminum and carbon fiber construction, a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing up to 602 bhp, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This model saw success in both GT3 racing and rallycross, becoming the first-ever production car to win the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2015.
Today, the Audi R8 stands as a symbol of performance and style. Audi continues to push the boundaries of what a supercar can be with every generation. The R8 remains an icon to this day, and its legacy will live on for many years to come. Watch the video below, and remember to subscribe to AudiSpeed for more Audi news and content.