Last Audi R8 supercar will bow out with GT variant

October 08, 2022 12:00 AM

Production of the R8 supercar, Audi's halo vehicle in the U.S. for over 15 years, ended this year. But, as with the TT, it seems likely that the German luxury brand will use the R8 nameplate again, only in BEV form. The R8, which was offered with a V-8 engine and later a V-10, was closely developed with the Lamborghini Gallardo. Adding to the R8's legacy was its popularity on the big screen. The R8 was the ride of choice for Tony Stark in several Iron Man and Marvel superhero blockbusters, beginning with the first Iron Man movie in 2008.

Audi’s 5.2-liter V-10-powered R8 supercar, which debuted in 2006, is bowing out with the R8 GT, with a production run capped at just 333 globally.

The model has rear-wheel drive, 602 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch, though the GT gets an altered gear ratio that allows for a higher top speed: 199 mph. It vrooms from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Audi also equips the R8 with an adjustable traction control system. In the GT, drivers can choose from seven levels, each allowing different amounts of slippage.