As high profile cars go, few divide opinion quite like the Audi R8. By all accounts, it has all the attributes required of a supercar; the engine, the ride height, the tech - all of it is thoroughly supercar. Yet something just feels… missing.

Updated January 2022: If you're considering buying a cool everyday supercar, but you're not really all that keen on the Audi R8 (which is a remarkable car), you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with even more options to consider.

That’s why it is often deemed to be the ‘everyday’ or ‘sensible’ supercar, and it’s for that reason that it so often finds itself in widely varying competition – pitted against thoroughbred supercars, and sporty grand tourers with equal frequency. With that in mind, here are 15 cars we’d take over the Audi R8.

17 Acura NSX Type-S

acura-nsx-type-s
Goodwood

The Acura NSX is underappreciated and unwanted, so the Japanese carmaker is sending off the NSX to an early retirement. However, before it disappears forever, Acura has prepared a special end-of-the-run model; the Type-S version. Only 350 cars have been scheduled for delivery in 2022. Each comes equipped with a revised 3.5-liter hybridized turbocharged V6 engine that produces a whopping 600 hp. Honda/Acura claims these power gains combined with the weight savings are worth 2-seconds per lap around the Suzuka circuit.

16 Lexus RCF Track Edition

Lexus RCF (Black) - Front
Lexus

Lexus has been tweaking and refining the RCF Track Edition since 2019, shaving off weight and adding power to perfect the model. Those looking for a high-performance luxury GT certainly won't be disappointed with this beast. The RCF has plenty of weight-saving carbon fiber aerodynamic skirts, wings, and spoilers that make it look mean and fast even when standing still. Speaking of fast, the V8-powered RCF Track Edition is a high-speed cruiser capable of 168 mph.

Related: 2021 V8 Showdown: Ford Mustang Mach 1 Vs Lexus RCF Track Edition

15 Porsche 911

While it may come in for criticism for lack of originality, there are few who could deny the legacy of the Porsche 911 as an iconic sports car. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable the world over, and the performance is truly class leading. Whilst it has come in for criticism in the move away from naturally-aspirated engines, it’s hard to believe this little car’s popularity is going to wane any time soon.

14 McLaren 570s

McLaen 570S - Front
Via McLaren Media

A 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 that produces 570 hp and has a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds… and this is the ‘entry-level’ McLaren supercar, but what else would we expect from a marque with the heritage of the McLaren Formula 1 division? Of all the cars on this list, it’s the 570s that may be the most similar to the Audi R8, in terms of its presence and performance. Why then would we pick this over the R8? Just look at it! Combine that with its relative exclusivity compared to the Audi, and it’s a great alternative.

13 Mercedes-AMG GT

Another German rival for the Audi R8, and another with distinctive looks to die for. Whilst the departure from the gullwing doors of its predecessor wasn’t without controversy, it is a striking and truly beautiful car. The front-engine RWD layout of the AMG provides a driving experience that is sure to appeal to purists, and it may be the most distinctive of the preeminent German supercars.

12 BMW M4

The 2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe.
Via: BMW USA News

With the BMW M4, the list arrives at the first car from an entirely different class than the Audi R8. Nobody would class the M4 as a supercar, but similarly, few people who want a thoroughbred supercar opt for the R8. However, if you want everyday practicality (think huge amounts of luggage space, room for passengers) but want a car capable of 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, this is the one to opt for.

11 Jaguar F-Type

Another entry from a famous British brand, this time the Jaguar F-Type. Jaguar experienced something of a hiatus from the upper echelons of car culture for several decades, and the F-Type was an attempt to rectify this. It isn’t without its faults – the interior in particular comes in for some criticism – but the supercharged engines and great chassis more than make up for this.

10 Porsche Cayman

There are some who will recoil at the sight of the Cayman on this list – especially given the earlier presence of the 911 – but for many, the Cayman is now the driver’s car rolling out of the Zuffenhausen-based manufacturer. It has only two seats, is lighter, and has a more engaging driving experience than its big brother. If you’re buying a car for the driving thrills, the Cayman is a fantastic choice.

9 Lamborghini Gallardo

What can be said about the Gallardo that hasn’t already been written before? It’s the all-time best-selling model from a company that has produced a long list of truly brilliant cars. What’s more, the Lamborghini V10 that adorned the original Audi R8 is shared with the Gallardo. Finally, if budget is still something of a concern, there are some great Gallardo bargains to be had.

Related: Here’s How Much A Lamborghini Gallardo Costs Today

8 Lamborghini Huracán

If budget isn’t a concern (which it probably isn’t, when comparing supercars) then opt for the Huracán. The successor to the famous Gallardo is a truly astonishing car, and given that it is technically a stablemate of the R8, there are many similarities to be found. If you’re simply looking for a great modern supercar – not a sensible supercar – the Huracán will take some beating.

7 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

If the Audi R8 is a sensible supercar, then surely that makes the GTC4 a sensible super grand tourer… if such a thing exists. The whole point of a grand tourer is that it is incredibly comfortable to drive over long distances (think driving across continents), but is still truly capable when you choose to put your foot down. In that regard, there are few cars that can compete with the GTC4, and a high-end grand tourer is a great alternative to the R8.

6 Ferrari California

Not dissimilar to the inclusion of the Gallardo earlier in this list, the California is a great alternative to the R8, and can be picked up for a relative bargain price. Originally pitched as an entry-level model, the California went on to become a hugely successful grand tourer for the company. As for why it makes a great alternative to the R8 – quite simply, it’s the prancing horse on the front of the hood.

Related: Here's What We Love About The Ferrari California T

5 BMW i8

The BMW i8 is a truly phenomenal car – it’s a hybrid, but this couldn’t be further from a Prius. The car does 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, and yet is capable of returning up to 130 mpg when the electric and petrol power is combined. Supercar performance, yet still sensible. Combine this with the design that’s like something straight out of a sci-fi comic, and it’s a winning combination.

4 Maserati Granturismo

The case has already been made for opting for a high-end grand tourer as an alternative to the R8, and grand tourers don’t come much better than the Maserati. The looks, the engine, the exhaust note, rear seats for passengers (technically); the Maserati has it all, and a large dose of Italian spirit to boot.

3 Nissan GTR

Jeremy Clarkson – the world’s most famous car reviewer – has made the case on several occasions that the Nissan GTR is the best car in the world. Add to that its practicality and class-leading performance, what else needs to be said?

2 Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin, James Bond. The two go hand in hand. Sure, Bourne has the technique, and Ethan Hunt has the flair, but Bond is Bond – quintessentially cool. Likewise, the Aston Martin is quintessentially cool. While it can’t necessarily match the R8 for performance, it looks better, and carries a status with it that the Audi will never match.

1 Chevrolet Corvette

How could the first mid-engine sports car in the brand’s long heritage not make the list? Seemingly the perfect combination of looks, sounds and performance to act as a superior alternative to the Audi R8.