Audi is gearing up to launch its second-generation R8 supercar in South Africa later this week. Here’s what you’ll be paying.

Audi’s R8 supercar made waves when it was first launched not only because it was a first for the brand, but also because it proved to be very good at being an everyday supercar. The first-generation R8 was genuinely exciting to drive but with Audi levels of comfort and refinement when you wanted to cruise to the shops or slog through town. The second iteration is about to hit the South African market and it’s going to cost a pretty penny.

The R8 is still offered with the naturally aspirated and high-revving V10 engine. It’s available in 2 different power outputs. In the standard R8 V10 quattro, the engine pushes out 397 kW and 560 Nm but in the R8 V10 Plus quattro, power is pushed up to a Lamborghini-equalling 449 kW with 560 Nm of torque.

The manual gearbox option has been dropped from the range, which is a pity as it was one of the best manuals to muscle between gates. The R8’s power is now sent to the wheels via the twin-clutch S tronic gearbox. The zero to 100 kph times are extremely rapid with both cars completing the benchmark sprint in less than 4 seconds. The standard R8 blitzes the dash3.5 seconds while the Plus model manages it in 3.2.

Pricing

Audi R8 pricing is similar to what you’ll be paying for Porsche’s Turbo S models.

Searching for a used Audi R8? Find one here.