The 2-door 2021 Audi R8 Coupe sports car is now in its second generation and is better than ever. As Audi's first true supercar, the R8 has had to carry a lot on its shoulders and is today recognized as being one of the best mid-engined supercars around. It might not be the fastest or most glamorous, but that 5.2-liter Lamborghini Huracan-sourced V10 engine still sounds better than most turbo-muffled power plants, and you get a 0-60 mph sprint time of only 3.2 seconds. For 2021 the base R8 is now rear-wheel drive only, with power outputs dropping to 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, while the full-blown performance model still offers quattro AWD stability and a serious 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of power. The 2021 Audi R8 Coupe takes the fight to competitors such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Nissan GT-R, and the Chevrolet Corvette C8.
As mentioned above, the new Audi R8 coupe range for 2021 sees the cheapest model become RWD with a drop in power from 562 to 532 hp. The Performance model, thus, is the only one offered with AWD, and its specs go unchanged from those of last year. A new Panther edition of the base RWD model is also provided, but only 30 were produced, so good luck finding one. Don't worry, though - you're not missing out. The only changes over the base model are aesthetic if you don't consider its loftier price of $183,300. Still, if you see its special metallic paint in person, you may deem it worth the extra cash.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2 V10 RWD |
5.2L V10 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$142,700 |
| 5.2 V10 performance quattro |
5.2L V10 Gas
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$196,700 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
The US is spoiled for choice when it comes to sports cars, so why should you even consider the Audi R8? Well, there are tons of reasons, but let's look at why you shouldn't first. Firstly, the vehicle is starting to show its age, and the current generation has been around since 2015. Secondly, Audi is very stingy with its standard options, and adding basics like driving assistance features will cost you extra. There is no safety rating review of the 2021 Audi R8 Coupe, either. The fact that it wears an Audi badge also detracts slightly from its exotic appeal, but that will boil down to personal preference. On the plus side, there are no recalls, so we can assume it has high reliability. The Audi R8's naturally aspirated V10 engine, solid build quality, excellent driving dynamics, and everyday comfort combine to make it one of the best supercars out there.
The price of the 2021 Audi R8 Coupe starts at $142,700 for the RWD model, which is significantly less than what you'd pay for an entry-level Porsche 911 Turbo coupe, but twice as much as a Chevrolet C8 Corvette. Going for the Performance model pushes that price up close to $200k, so we'd suggest sticking with the RWD version and adding the optional performance exhaust system and Premium Package for the added interior comforts and upgraded sound system.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Audi R8 Coupe:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo