The Audi R8 was first introduced in the mid-to-late 2000s as a showcase of what Audi can do with a supercar. When the covers were off, people were left with their jaws on the floor because the R8 looked incredible. It also got a dual engine setup which means that the R8 is available with either a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 or a glorious naturally aspirated V10.
Choosing the best year for an Audi R8 is difficult because all Audi R8 models have something special about them. However, if we were to choose the best R8 that ever came out, it has to be the 2006 Type 42 R8 which was the very first R8 model to ever come out. The 2015 Audi R8 is also a great car and it represents the very last 1st gen R8.
The third best Audi R8 model year is the latest 2022 Audi R8 RWD model. This R8 is a rear-wheel-drive-only model which means that it is the most driver-focused R8 yet. It also gets all the latest Audi ingredients which make it a perfect R8 model.
No matter which R8 you go for, you are not going to be disappointed as the R8 is one of the most iconic supercars the world has ever seen. Audi is soon to discontinue the V10 R8 which means that these are likely going to become classics one day.
2006 Audi R8 Type 42
The 2006 Audi R8 Type 42 is the car that started it all. Less than 200 units of the Type 42 were sold which means that it is also one of the rarest R8 models ever. The 2006 model got a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 with 420hp which means that the limits of the Type 42 could actually be explored and enjoyed because the engine is not too powerful.
The first R8 is also available with either a manual or an automatic gearbox, but be sure to consider buying the manual as a manual Type 42 Audi R8 is a car that is going to go up in value for quite a while. This might as well be the most desirable and most sentimental Audi R8 yet which means that buying one is always a good idea.
The exterior design and the fact that you were driving the most anticipated supercar of the late 2000s is a feeling no other R8 could ever replicate. It all started with the Type 42, and that is why it is undoubtedly the best Audi R8 model money can buy.
2015 Audi R8
The 2015 Audi R8 is the very last 1st generation of the Audi R8 which means that it bridges the gap between the 2nd generation (2016 and up) and the first generation (2006-2015). The 2015 Audi R8 Competition is the best 2015 Audi R8 model, but this one is limited to less than one hundred examples worldwide.
The 2015 model was also the very first car ever to feature laser headlights in the Audi R8 LMX which was also limited to less than 100 units. These R8 models are the most advanced and most powerful 1st gen R8 models because they came with almost 600hp which meant that they were the most powerful Audi production models at the time.
These are now extremely sought after in the used car market which means that their values of these are only going up. No matter how you look at it, the 2015 and 2006 Audi R8 models are undoubtedly the best 1st gen R8 model years.
2022 Audi R8
The 2022 Audi R8 is the post-facelift 2nd generation of the R8 which means that it is the fastest, most advanced, and most luxurious Audi R8 of all time. These offer around 600hp for a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 that is being sent to all four wheels via Audi’s proprietary Quattro AWD system. These cars can do 0-60mhp in under 3 seconds.
The best 2022 Audi R8 model is undoubtedly the Performance RWD version which is designed to send all of its power strictly to the rear wheels which makes the R8 RWD feel like a true driver’s car. Many enthusiasts have wanted Audi to make a rear-wheel-drive R8, and they did it.
The RWD is one of the most dynamic, most engaging, and most fun to drive R8 models ever to be released. It is a true driver’s car and it does not lack behind cars with a Ferrari or a Porsche badge when it comes to the pure joy of driving, especially when you add in the glorious V10 engine behind your back.
FAQ Section
Should I buy an Audi R8?
Yes, you should. Let’s be frank, the Audi R8 is a car powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine with around 600hp. A large-displacement naturally aspirated engine is not something you can find in today’s day and age of downsizing and forced induction which make cars like the R8 and the Lamborghini Huracan unicorn cars.
While Ferrari and McLaren are busy selling 6-cylinder supercars, Audi and Lamborghini are still churning out naturally aspirated V10s. No matter if you go for an older or a newer R8, you are likely going to be overjoyed with just how good the car drives.
Is the V10 Audi R8 better than the V8 Audi R8?
It depends on your personal preference, but it’s safe to say that both of these are amazing. The 4.2L is the original R8 engine which certainly means something. However, the V10 is a V10 which means that a V8 is never going to feel as special as a V10, especially one that can also be found in a Lamborghini.
As such, I’d say that the V10 is the better engine because it sounds better, is more powerful, and is more emotional. The V8 is also amazing and the fact that it came with the original R8 is also important.
Why is the Audi R8 being discontinued?
Because it’s coming to the end of its predicted lifetime and because Audi can’t simply make a V10 engine that can pass all the emissions regulations. These engines are just too big, too heavy, and too inefficient. Thanks to modern-day advancements in engine technology, you can easily get the same amount of horsepower from even a turbocharged hybrid 4-cylinder engine.
