Audi R8 V10 Performance

The case for the R8 V10 Performance

The second-generation Audi R8 arrived in 2015 with a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10, a 7-speed S tronic gearbox and all-wheel drive. The V10 Performance version, introduced later, produces 602 bhp and 580 Nm. It shares its basic platform and engine with the Lamborghini Huracán, but it is quieter, more comfortable and easier to use every day.

The R8 is a proper supercar with a usable cabin. The visibility is good for the class, the seats are comfortable and the front boot is large enough for a weekend bag. The V10 sounds magnificent, and the all-wheel-drive system gives it traction in the wet. It is not as sharp as a Huracán, but it is more liveable and more discreet.

The R8 is also relatively reliable by supercar standards. The V10 is robust, and the gearbox is strong. The main risks are the magnetic ride dampers, the carbon-ceramic brakes and the electronic systems. A well-maintained car with a warranty is the safest buy.

What it costs to run

A minor service at an Audi specialist is £600 to £900, and a major service is £1,500 to £2,500. The V10 uses a lot of oil, and the gearbox fluid and filter should be changed every 40,000 miles or so. Spark plugs are due at intervals, and the air filters are expensive.

Tyres are £1,000 to £1,400 for a set of 19-inch or 20-inch rubber. Brake discs and pads are £2,000 to £3,000 for steel brakes. Carbon-ceramic brakes were optional and replacement is £8,000 to £12,000. Fuel consumption is 15 to 20 mpg on a run and the low teens in town. Budget for high insurance and top-band road tax.

Known weak points

The magnetic ride dampers are a known weak point. They can leak, fail or throw a warning message, and replacement is expensive. The front lift system, if fitted, can fail. The carbon-ceramic brake discs can crack or chip, especially on cars that have seen track use. The 7-speed S tronic is generally strong, but the mechatronic unit can fail, and a fluid change history is important.

The V10 can develop oil leaks from the valve covers and the front timing covers. The coolant pipes and water pump can fail. The air conditioning compressor and condenser are weak. The infotainment system can be slow, and the virtual cockpit can glitch. The battery can drain if the car is left unused. The exhaust valves can seize, and the sports exhaust can develop a rattle.

The R8 is also sensitive to kerb damage and poorly repaired bodywork. The aluminium spaceframe is expensive to repair, and a minor accident can be a write-off. A pre-purchase inspection should include a paint depth gauge and a check of the suspension and underbody.

The 5.2-litre FSI V10 is direct-injected, and carbon build-up on the intake valves is a known issue on higher-mileage cars. A walnut blast is £500 to £800 and can restore lost power. The coil packs and spark plugs are expensive, and a misfire should be investigated promptly. The S tronic's clutch packs can shudder at low speed; a fluid change and adaptation reset may help, but a worn clutch pack is a gearbox-out job.

What to check before buying

Ask for the full service file before anything else. A full Audi or specialist history is essential. Check that the gearbox fluid has been changed, and ask for a fault-code scan. A warranty adds real value to a car like this.

Inspect the magnetic ride dampers for leaks and check that the car sits level. Operate the front lift and listen for the pump. Check the brakes for disc wear and cracks. A car with carbon-ceramic brakes needs a careful inspection; replacement is expensive. Check the tyres for even wear and the wheels for kerb damage.

Start it cold, then listen again when warm. Check for oil leaks, coolant residue and exhaust smoke. On the test drive, listen for hesitation and check shift quality. Check the all-wheel-drive system and the differential. Inspect the paint and the aluminium panels for accident damage. Check the front lift, the magnetic ride and the sports exhaust; the lift pump is a known failure point, and the dampers can leak. Test all electrical functions: infotainment, climate control and driver aids. A car with a transferable warranty justifies a premium.

Market and depreciation

The R8 V10 Performance has depreciated, but it has held up better than many supercars. Early 2016 and 2017 cars with 30,000 to 50,000 miles were £70,000 to £90,000 at the time of writing. Later Performance cars were £90,000 to £120,000. The final R8 V10 GT and the rear-wheel-drive models are more expensive. The V10 GT is the collector car, with rear-wheel drive and a limited run. The standard V10 Performance is the value pick, but it is still expensive to run.

The market is softening as more cars come out of warranty, but the R8 has a strong enthusiast following. A car with a full history, low mileage and a good spec will sell quickly. A cheap car with a patchy history can be a risk. The R8 is not a guaranteed investment, but it is a lot of supercar for the money.

Who it suits

The R8 V10 Performance suits the owner who wants a supercar they can use every day. It is comfortable, practical and easy to drive in traffic. It does not suit someone who wants a raw, rear-driven experience or a car they can maintain on a small budget. It also does not suit someone who needs four seats; the R8 is a two-seater.

If you want more drama, the Huracán is the obvious alternative. If you want a more focused track car, the Porsche 911 GT3 is better. If you want a more affordable V10, the first-generation R8 V10 is worth a look; the gated manual cars are already collectible and feel more analogue than the S tronic.

Alternatives

The Lamborghini Huracán is the R8's cousin, with a more aggressive body and a louder exhaust. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is faster in all weather and more practical, but it lacks the V10 soundtrack. The McLaren 570S is lighter and more agile, but it is less reliable and more expensive to run. The Mercedes-AMG GT is more dramatic and rear-driven, but it is less usable.

The R8 V10 Performance is the sensible supercar, if such a thing exists. It combines exotic engineering with everyday usability. The key is to buy a good one and budget for the brakes and dampers.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Audi's published technical and service information, owner reports from Audizine and R8Talk, UK Audi specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. Expect UK prices to vary with location, spec and condition.