This Audi R8 Replica Is Actually A RHD 1993 Toyota MR2

If you don’t have the money to buy a used Audi R8 but are a huge fan of Ingolstadt’s supercar, an R8 replica might be the next best thing.

We recently stumbled across this R8 replica while browsing through some used car listings on eBay. The car had a Buy it Now price of $25,000 but attracted a highest bid of $10,000, well short of the seller’s reserve price, so it didn’t sell.

The listing reveals that this replica started out life as a 1993 Toyota MR2 and was actually imported to Florida from the UK, hence why it is right-hand drive.

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While the MR2 is, like the Audi, mid-engined, the proportions of this replica are still significantly different than a genuine R8. Additionally, the front and rear fascias don’t do a particularly good job of mimicking the shape and design of the R8, although the original owner did go to the trouble of fitting a familiar Audi grille, four-ringed badge, and large air intakes.

The Audi R8 inspiration continues on the sides where you will find the distinctive vertical panels that are a signature feature of the German supercar. Found at the rear appear to be Audi TT taillights, R8 V10 badges, and dual tailpipes.

Unlike some replicas, the person who built this one went to the trouble of customizing the interior, fitting new leather seats, a leather transmission tunnel, and a portrait-oriented infotainment screen.

It’s evident that someone tried really hard to make the MR2 look like an R8, and, as replicas go, although it understandably fails to mimic the Audi perfectly, it’s not that bad overall. Nevertheless, it didn’t convince anyone to offer anything even remotely approaching the asking price.