2019 Audi R8 Debuts With Sportier Styling And More Powerful V10 Engines

Following a preview earlier today, Audi has officially unveiled the 2019 R8 Coupe and Spyder.

Set to go on sale in Europe early next year, the facelifted models have a more aggressive design as they adopt a wider Singleframe grille and three hood slits that pay tribute to the iconic Ur-quattro. Elsewhere, designers installed a new front splitter and more aggressive air intakes.

Additional styling changes are limited, but Audi says the model has a new three-piece engine cover that is available in either plastic or carbon fiber. Speaking of options, there will be up to three exterior styling packages which add “various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser.” The updated model also offers two new colors – Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue – and optional high-gloss black badges.

Interior changes are limited to new color options which include “pastel silver with rock gray contrasting stitching, palomino brown with steel gray stitching and black with utopia blue stitching.” The range-topping model will also be available with an R8 performance design package with leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as carbon fiber trim and Mercato blue accents.

In terms of performance, the R8 V10 has an upgraded engine that now produces 562 hp (419 kW / 570 PS) and 405 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque – an increase of 29 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) and 7 lb-ft (10 Nm).  Thanks to the extra power, the coupe accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h).

The 5.2-liter engine in the R8 V10 performance is also more powerful than its predecessor as it develops 611 hp (456 kW / 620 PS) and 427 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque.  These are modest improvements of 9 hp (7 kW / 10 PS) and 14 lb-ft (20 Nm).  This enables the coupe to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 mph (331 km/h).

While Audi was coy on specifics, the company confirmed the 2019 R8 has a revised suspension which promises to provide “even more stability and precision.”  Furthermore, the standard power steering system and the optional dynamic steering system have been retuned to offer improved feedback and response.

Sticking with handling, the facelifted R8 has an enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control system which helps to improve braking. In the range-topping model, the 62-0 mph (100-0 km/h) distance improves by up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) while the 124-0 mph (200-0 km/h) distance is up to 16.4 feet (5 meters) shorter than before.

Other performance updates include 20-inch ultralight milled wheels with “new summer and sport tires which convey even more precise handling.” They join familiar carbon ceramic brake discs and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer / aluminum front stabilizer as options.