What's the news?
The Audi R8 sports car comes in for some minor aesthetic tweaks for 2019, along with a modest bump in performance to keep it fresh as it reaches the midpoint in its lifecycle. Along with the updated styling comes a small boost in power for both the standard R8 and the R8 Performance - Audi is dropping the 'plus' designation previously used for the higher power version. The same updates will also carry across to the soft top Spyder models.
Exterior
While the visual changes to the Audi R8 aren't significant, they do have a profound effect on how the car looks. The new front-end appears noticeably lower thanks to the reshaping of the 'singleframe' grille. It now appears wider and lower due to a new surround that includes three slots that sit above it and meet the bonnet line. These slots are similar to those on the front of the 2019 Audi A1, although on the R8 they don't provide any actual ventilation; they're purely aesthetic.
Adding to the focused look of the front are updated headlights that feature a darker interior and new 'eyelids' where they meet the grille. A new mesh design in the grille and front bumper takes on a more three-dimensional look further differentiating it from the previous version. Audi's designers have also reshaped the front bumper to give the appearance of it having larger intake areas and there is new winglet inspired aero at the edge of the front bumper.
Along the flanks, there's a new design of sill that offers a more technical look and ties in better with the signature side intakes that are a key feature of the R8's design. New 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are of an intricate design that not only saves weight, but looks fantastic.
At the rear, one of the most apparent changes is the return of the large oval exhausts that were a feature of the first-generation Audi R8. They are surrounded by a titanium grey section on Performance models and carbon fibre on the standard R8. They sit either side of an aggressive looking rear diffuser. Further changes at the back include a new honeycomb mesh that stretches across the full width of the car. As before, the R8 Performance model gets a fixed rear wing, while the Spyder gets a thin carbon fibre spoiler.
Interior
Inside, it's the same story as before with a driver-centric design that includes the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display. The sports seats are figure-hugging, but not uncomfortable, and the quality of the finish is to the usual high Audi standard.
Mechanicals
If you thought that the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 that powers the Audi R8 lacked in performance, then you're in luck. Some software tweaking by the engineers sees the power output of the base model R8 increase from 540hp to 570hp, along with an extra 10Nm of torque - bringing the total to 550Nm. The boost in output also sees a tenth of a second shaved off the 0-100km/h time, which now takes just 3.4 seconds, with the Spyder taking 3.5 seconds.
For the more powerful R8 V10 Performance model, the increase in power isn't as big, but the engine does get some specific parts, including titanium valves. Maximum horsepower increases by 10hp to 620hp, while torque output goes from 560Nm to 580Nm. Like the regular version, the dash to 100km/h improves by the same tenth of a second margin, bringing the time down to 3.1 seconds for the coupe and 3.2 seconds for the Spyder. All new R8 models will also come fitted with a particulate filter to pass the latest emissions legislation.
In addition to more power, Audi claims that it has also refined the ride quality of the R8. Minor setup changes, along with newly developed Michelin tyres, are claimed to result in a better driving experience. The steering has also been recalibrated to deliver faster response and give drivers better feedback. Improvements in tyre technology and some updates to the ESC stability control and ABS anti-lock brakes sees the stopping distance from 100km/h reduce by 1.5 metres, while the stopping distance from 200km/h comes down by 5m. Audi will continue to offer the standard steel brake discs, which get black callipers, along with the optional carbon ceramic setup, identified by grey callipers. Optionally on either, buyers can specify red callipers.
Audi will make available some new parts to help reduce the weight of the car, including a CFRP front anti-roll bar, which shaves 2.0kg in weight. It is available on any of the R8 models. Buyers will also be able to specify laser headlight technology in the R8.
Anything else?
At a preview event for the new R8 attended by CompleteCar.ie, Audi wouldn't comment on whether the updated R8 will sire a rear-wheel-drive series, as it did with the previous model. Production of the R8 RWS was limited and, with the car being well-received, it is likely that Audi may well offer this again towards the end of this updated version's model life.