2019 Audi R8 Mid-Engine Supercar Adds More Power, Better Handling And Sharper Styling

Audi has unveiled its refreshed R8 sports car in both coupe and spyder form; both versions of the ride get an extensive update for the 2019 model year. One of the most interesting features of the R8 is that it leans very heavily on Audi's participation in motorsports with the automaker claiming that the 2019 Audi R8 shares 50% of its parts with the R8 LMS GT3 racing car and 60% of its parts are the same as the R8 LMS GT4 racer. Audi claims that no other automobile on the market is as close to motor racing as the new R8.

One of the core components of the updated R8 is more powerful engines with two flavors of the potent V10 offered; Audi won’t say exactly what the power output of those engines is right now. It promises that the engines will perform even at high lateral acceleration loads of up to 1.5G thanks to a dry sump oil system and a separate radiator that controls oil temperature.

Audi updated the R8's suspension for increased stability and precision, while cars will come with electromechanical power steering and optional dynamic steering systems. Depending on which engine option is selected, there are Audi drive select modes for dry, wet, snow, and performance. Braking performance is increased with the top-of-the-line model coming to a stop from 62.1mph 4.9-feet faster than previous models thanks to an enhanced stability control module. When stopping from 124.3mph, the stopping distance is 16.4-feet shorter than the outgoing R8.

Standard wheels for the R8 are 19-inch units with optional ultralight 20-inch fully milled wheels with a five-v spoke design with summer and sports tires as an option. Audi offers ceramic brake discs as an option; standard brakes use steel discs. Another option for buyers is a front stabilizer made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum shaving 4.4 pounds of weight compared to the standard stabilizer.

The style of the car has changed (compare the 2019 version with the R8 redesign from 2015) with a singleframe radiator grille with a wider, flatter line. Flat slits in the hood are meant to remind of the Audi Ur-quattro brand icon; the front splitter is wider along with the low-set air vent grille at the rear of the car. Three exterior packages are offered depending on the engine chosen; these packages will add various highlights to the front splitter, side trims, and diffuser. Buyers can also choose to have the badges on the outside of the car painted in high-gloss black. Audi is offering new metallic colors for 2019 including Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue; additional customization via the Audi exclusive range is available. The refreshed Audi R8 will land at European dealers in Q1 2019 with an on-sale date set for early 2019; a launch date for the U.S. hasn't been confirmed yet.