Audi R8 Coupe Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place (2024)

The first of the Audi R8 Coupe generations was launched in the US in 2007 and carried the Type 42 internal code, closely approximating the 2003 Audi Le Mans quattro concept car. It had a lot in common with the first-generation Lamborghini Gallardo with which it shared a platform, and which had been on sale for couple of years at that stage. It was a more sensibly priced supercar that cost less than the Gallardo and had a less powerful V8 engine option, though a 5.2L V10 engine borrowed from Lamborghini would appear two years later. After being absent for one model year, changes to the Audi R8 Coupe when it returned for MY 2014 included a facelift and some feature upgrades. The R8’s engines were high-revving naturally aspirated units for its entire existence. The second-gen car continued where the old one had left off, using the Lamborghini Huracan as a template until it was finally discontinued in 2024.

2020-2023 Audi R8 Coupe 2nd Gen (4S) Facelift

The R8 skipped another model year before returning as a 2020 model with a refreshed exterior, a 5.2L V10 with either 562 or 602 hp, and no RWD option anymore, though it would rejoin the lineup just a year later, mated to a 532-hp version of the V10 and replacing the old 562-hp quattro model. For MY2022, the RWD model was dialed back up to 562 hp. MY2023 saw the addition of a RWD R8 GT with the 602-hp engine.

2023 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2022 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2021 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2020 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2017-2018 Audi R8 Coupe 2nd Gen (4S)

After skipping another one of its model years, a redesign of the Audi R8 Coupe arrived as a 2017 model, this time based on the Lamborghini Huracan. The V8 engine and manual transmission were now gone, with a 5.2L V10 with either 540 or 610 hp doing duty, allied to quattro AWD and the carry-over seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. MY2018 sees the arrival of the first RWD derivative across R8 generations.

Second Generation R8 Coupe Production Years:

2018 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2017 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2014-2015 Audi R8 Coupe 1st Gen (42) Facelift

After a one-year absence, the R8 returned for MY2014 with a mild facelift, weighing less, and with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission replacing the previous jerky single-clutch automated manual. The first-gen car bows out with a limited-edition 570-hp V10 Competition Coupe made available for MY2015.

First Generation R8 Coupe Production Years:

2015 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2014 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2008-2012 Audi R8 Coupe 1st Gen (42)

For the 2008-2012 model years, the Audi R8 Coupe was only offered with a 420-hp 4.2L V8 engine, quattro AWD, and a choice of six-speed transmissions - a manual or a single-clutch automated manual. For MY2010, a 525-hp 5.2L V10 with the same transmissions joined the lineup and the next year, the V7 gets 10 hp more power.

First Generation R8 Coupe Production Years:

2012 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2011 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2010 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2009 Audi R8 Coupe Review

2008 Audi R8 Coupe Review