The 2022 Audi R8 rolls into showrooms mostly unchanged. Audi has bumped up the base version of the V10 by 30 ponies to 562 horsepower.
We think it sacrilege to call the base version of the R8 engine “base,” but that’s what it is. The Performance version deals out 602 hp. It’s all relative, you see.
In either case, driving is like being strapped to a rocket-propelled roller skate.
There is no mistaking when the amidships V10 is engaged. The sound will send shivers up your spine while instilling panic in the hearts of performance-car wannabes around you.
In short, the R8 is a supercar fit for everyday driving.
Other cars often mentioned in the same breath as the R8 are the Chevy Corvette and the Porsche 911.
We like the R8 for its unmistakable engine growl, terrific handling, comfy interior, practicality, and user-friendly infotainment system.
Audi makes the R8 available in two flavors: the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Performance. They are available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) models.
As mentioned earlier, Audi arms both the RWD and the AWD versions with derivatives of the same 5.2-liter V10 engine.
In its entry-level RWD form, it generates 562 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the AWD Performance version gets you 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque.
A 7-speed automatic transmission distributes engine production to the wheels.
Audi provides a 3-setting driver-selectable driving modes feature: Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic. It delivers unique behavior from several systems, including throttle response and dampening.
By the government’s estimates, the R8 RWD gets 14 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg in combined driving.
Moving up to the AWD drops those numbers to 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.
The government assesses a $1,700 gas guzzler tax for all R8 versions.
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe RWD (starting at $148,700)
The 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe RWD starts at $148,700.
It provides 20-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and a sport suspension.
An electric-powered rear spoiler, leather seats, heated seats, and 18-way power-adjustable seats are also included.
Power folding heated outboard mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink transceiver, and a sport steering wheel are also standard.
The infotainment system is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with infotainment controls, a 5-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. Audi’s music interface, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite-radio capability are also included.
A navigation system is standard, as well.
As you might expect from a supercar, driver aids are few and far between. The R8 does provide high-beam assist, front-rear park assist, and cruise control.
Audi offers several option packages. For example, for $12,900, you can pick up the Dynamic Package. It gains you front and aft Ceramic disc brakes, unique 20-inch wheels, and racing-shell seats covered in Nappa leather.
The Premium Package ($5,900) adds an Alcantara headliner, an extended leather package, and a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Adding the $1,495 destination fee to the RWD Coupe base price brings the total to $150,195. If you put no money down and financed for 60 months at 3% interest, it works out to $2,699 per month. See 2022 Audi R8 Coupe RWD models for sale
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe RWD includes:
- Auto-dimming mirrors – Using photosensors, they recognize bright headlights closing from behind. They then automatically dim the reflection of those lights. Auto-dimming mirrors include the inside rearview and both outboard mirrors.
- Leather seats – Not only do these leather seats add a touch of luxury, but they are also heated. Moreover, they are 18-way power-adjustable.
- LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on-off, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder RWD (starting at $160,900)
The 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder RWD starts at $160,900.
The R8 Spyder provides essentially the same standard content as the coupe.
Its convertible roof is motorized, requiring less than 20 seconds to lower or raise.
Adding the $1,495 destination fee to the Spyder base price totals $162,395. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $2,918 per month. See 2022 Audi R8 Spyder RWD models for sale
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe Quattro (starting at $199,800)
The 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe Quattro starts at $199,800.
The AWD Performance Coupe adds the performance-tuned version of the 5.2-liter V10 engine to the RWD Coupe.
It also adds the RWD Dynamic Package, a Performance selection to the driving modes, carbon-fiber exterior elements, and a performance sport suspension.
Among the option packages is the Performance Design Package ($5,200). It gains you leather-Alcantara racing-shell seats, the full-leather package with blue stitching, blue brake calipers, and more.
The Bang & Olufsen Sound Package ($1,900) adds the 13-speaker upgraded audio system.
Adding the $1,495 destination fee to the Performance Coupe base price equals $201,295. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $3,617 per month. See 2022 Audi R8 Performance Coupe Quattro models for sale
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Coupe Quattro includes:
- Performance-tuned V10 – This 5.2-liter V10 generates 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission, it generates enough thrust for a 3.3-second sprint from a stop to 60 miles per hour.
- Carbon-fiber elements – These include engine compartment trim, outboard mirror shells, and a fixed rear spoiler.
- Ceramic disc brakes – Consisting of 15-inch front disc brakes with 6-piston calipers and 14-inch rear disc brakes with 4-piston caliper, they provide quicker stops and stay cooler doing it.
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder Quattro (starting at $213,500)
The 2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder Quattro starts at $213,500.
Except for the power convertible top, Audi equips the Performance Spyder as it does the Performance Coupe.
Adding the $1,495 destination fee to the Performance Spyder base price brings the total to $214,995, Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $3,863 per month. See 2022 Audi R8 Performance Spyder Quattro models for sale
