Audi R8 became famous for one key factor, its everyday usability without toning down on the fun factor. Also, the fact that its Naturally Aspirated V10 remains the last of its kind among the sea turbocharged and hybrid supercars out there. The majority of its fame is because of the Iron Man Franchise. But now, the R8 has turned out to be one of the most beloved sports cars of the modern era.
The 2021 Audi R8 has been carried over unchanged and flaunts the new sharper design language that was introduced as part of its 2nd Generation upgrade in 2017. We personally love the 1st Gen, but the world must move on, and the new design language has been kind of gotten used to. The grin-worthy RWD, rear-engined layout is a treat to get used to. The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe continues to take on the likes of Porsche 911 Turbo and the recently revived Acura NSX (nothing like its predecessor!).
The $154,900 2021 Audi R8 is old-school at heart, with a 532hp 5.2L NA V10. It gets a new limited Panther Edition to add a sinister touch, limited to just 30 units.
What's New For The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe
Audi hasn't fiddled with the mechanical aspects of its daily super, but to keep the pan warm, has introduced a new 2021 Audi R8 Panther Edition. It is unique for the US and is limited to just 30 units. With an MSRP of $183,300, this Limited R8 is painted with an Audi Exclusive Panther Black Cyrstal effect paint and gets sick looking 20-inch black wheels with red trimming.
Other than that there are a few shuffles in the standard line-up as well. The power has been restricted to 532 hp for the base RWD trim and AWD is only offered in the V10 Performance trim. The remaining features and the interior layout remains unchanged and packs all of the punch to stand up to the new wave of 2021 competitors.
Pricing And Trims Of The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe
The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe starts with an MSRP of $142,700 and tops out at $197,700; except for the Limited Panther Edition that is priced north of $180k. It comes in two trims - Base and Performance. The base trim is only offered in RWD and has toned-down performance figures.
Performance trim packs the famed Audi Quattro AWD system and is more powerful at 602 horses. Both the trims packs the same 5.2L Naturally Aspirated V10 that is loved by both critics and fanatics alike.
Packs A 5.2L Naturally-Aspirated V10 Engine; Last Of It's Kind
The story-teller of this car is its engine. The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe packs in a rear-mounted 5.2L Naturally Aspirated V10 FSI engine that makes 532 hp and 398 lb-ft in the RWD base iteration. But in the AWD models, it is more powerful and makes 602 hp and 413 lb-ft.
In both cases, a 7-Speed S-Tronic Automatic gearbox takes care of transferring the power to its wheels. Its high-revving nature is a feat to behold and brings about dramaticism that has slowly withered away in modern cars. Despite its naturally aspirated nature, Audi has managed to keep it fairly sustainable with EPA ratings of 13 MPG in the city, 20 MPG on the highway, and a combined 17 MPG.
2021 Audi R8 Coupe Does 0-60 Mph In 3.2 Seconds
This V10 is no slouch as the 2021 Audi R8 coupe does 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds for the RWD models, and in 3.2 seconds for the Quattro ones. These figures are pretty impressive for an NA engine. To give you a perspective, the twin-turbocharged 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo does 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, not too far off. The 2021 R8 Coupe is capped at a top speed of 201 mph(RWD) and 205 mph(AWD9) and can do these speeds all day long.
Interior Is Plush, Sporty, And Technologically Very Much 'Audi'
One thing that Audi always excels in is its Interior. This German marque always gets the formula just right when it comes to comfort, sportiness, and technology. In the case of the 2021 Audi R8, the cabin is more focused on its sportiness.
It gets Alcantara wrapped dashboard and bucket seats. Nappa leather can be opted for by paying extra bucks. The seats are 8-way power-adjustable to provide you with the perfect seating. Dual-Zone climate control is standard and Audi also provides various interior design packages like - Performance Design Package, Carbon Interior Package, and diamond Stitch Full Leather Package.
In terms of technology, you get a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that packs Audi's Virtual Cockpit system. Infotainment is less focused here, with an 8-Speaker audio unit. Byt an optional B&O 13-speaker, 550W audio it can be had if you are pretty serious about those beats and tunes.
Continues With The Sharp Exterior Design Language
Audi continues with its new-found sharp design language for the 2021 R8 Coupe. People, including us, were skeptical about the shift from its iconic "Iron Man" twinning design language that had an instant spark. But over time this has actually caught up and does end up in the good books of many.
The sharp cues are evident in the front fascia which is highlighted with the angled LED DLRs and sleek hexagonal grille. The rear also gets redesigned LED taillamps to go with the sharp design language. Those 19-inch 5 double-spoke wheels add just the right amount of drama.
2021 Audi R8 Coupe Safety And Warranty Package
Audi packs in some of the industry-leading Safety tech into the 2021 R8 Coupe. Electronic Stability Control is standard and works in tandem with ABS and Driveline Traction Control to keep this sports car predictable at all times. It also packs in 8 airbags and gets outboard front lap and shoulder safety belts, among many others.
The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe Warranty package includes Limited Standard Warranty for 4 years/ 50,000 miles, Powertrain Warranty for 4 years/ 50,000 miles, and Complimentary maintenance for 1 year/10,000 miles.
Sources: Audiusa.com, Media.audiusa.com, Edmunds.com, Caranddriver.com