The beast is back: Audi R8 Coupé V10 Performance quattro

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Audi’s flagship R8 is back on this market after an absence of more than a year. In a sense it’s “last time to see” as naturally aspirated supercars – this one with a 5.2-litre V10 – will soon give way to hybrids and, in time, full electrics.

Audi has put on the record that the future of the R8 is “being discussed” and has shown a battery-powered concept with similar proportions. But until that model hits the showrooms, the R8 will continue to provide a reminder of the (guilty) pleasures a good old-fashioned mid-engined supercar can bring.

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Ceramic brake rotors and carbon-fibre highlights inside and out are standard features.  

It’s dazzlingly quick (as it always was) and remarkably easy to live with (as much as such a powerful, ground-hugging machine can be). Many admire its relatively understated appearance, too. It may not be subtle but, by way of comparison, look at the wildly extrovert Lamborghini Huracán, with which it shares most of its underpinnings. Both brands are owned by VW.

To claw back its place in this tiny but highly contested segment, much that was once optional on the all-wheel drive coupé variant we drove is now standard, including ceramic brake rotors and carbon-fibre highlights inside and out.

Lighting has always been important to Audi. It is interesting to see the latest tricks, including a mini lightshow when locking and unlocking at night. It is cool to see the engine bay light up too, and what a beautiful engine bay it is.

A rear-wheel drive R8 is available at $295,000 plus on-road costs. The lighter, more powerful and all-wheel drive Performance quattro coupé is $100,000 more, and the Spyder Performance quattro tops out the range at $416,500 plus on-road costs.

AUDI R8 COUPÉ V10 PERFORMANCE QUATTRO
Price $395,000 (excluding on-road costs); $395,700 as tested
Engine 5.2-litre V10 (petrol)
Power/torque 449kW/560Nm
Fuel economy 13.4L/100 km (combined cycle)
C0₂ 314g/km

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Tony DavisMotoring WriterTony Davis writes on lifestyle specialising in cars. Email Tony at tony.davis@afr.com.au