“good value for the money for its class of vehicles, appealing looks, great experience with manufacturer--plant tour of R8 factory with Audi Exclusive personnel.”
2017 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Audi R8 is a full redesign that begins the car’s second generation. Its headline change is a lighter aluminum-and-carbon structure, supported by standard V10 power and a more digital cabin.
About the 2017 Audi R8
2nd generation (Type 4S), launch year for the redesigned US-market lineup; first year for the redesigned Spyder and first full US year for the new coupe.
Audi positions the R8 as a supercar with direct racing links that is still usable on normal roads. The formula is a mid-engine layout, a high-revving naturally aspirated V10, quattro traction, and a cockpit that puts nearly all major information directly in front of the driver through the digital display. Compared with flashier rivals, the R8 leans on cleaner design, strong cabin quality, and a more approachable day-to-day personality without giving up real exotic-car speed.
The V10 coupe is the core model, pairing everyday cabin comfort with a mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10, AWD, adaptive suspension, and 18-way leather sport seats. The V10 plus is the more track-focused coupe, with carbon-ceramic brakes, fixed sport suspension, racing-style seats, and carbon-fiber body pieces. The V10 Spyder adds a power soft top that operates in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned U.S. lineup uses a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and quattro AWD.
Styling
The second-generation lineup launches with V10 and V10 plus coupes, while the V10 Spyder joins during the model year. The V10 plus has carbon-fiber exterior pieces and a fixed rear spoiler.
Tech
A 12.3-inch digital instrument display becomes the center of the driver-focused cabin. The MMI navigation and touch-control system is also a core standard feature.
Structural
A new aluminum-and-carbon structure reduces weight and increases rigidity. The redesigned Spyder’s reinforced structure is more than 50% stiffer than that of the previous Spyder.
2017 Audi R8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd S tronic | Auto, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 540 hp | 610 hp | 540 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Audi R8 a new generation?
Yes. The 2017 R8 starts the second generation with a redesigned aluminum-and-carbon structure, V10 power across the U.S. lineup, and a new driver-focused digital cockpit.
What engine and transmission does the 2017 Audi R8 use?
Every U.S.-market 2017 R8 uses a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro AWD.
How is the 2017 R8 V10 plus different from the V10?
The V10 plus is the more track-focused coupe. It has carbon-ceramic brakes, fixed sport suspension, extra performance settings, racing-style seats, and carbon-fiber exterior parts, while the V10 uses adaptive suspension and more comfort-oriented 18-way leather sport seats.
Was the 2017 Audi R8 offered as a convertible?
Yes. The V10 Spyder joined the redesigned lineup during the 2017 model year with a power soft top that opens or closes in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
What cabin technology changed in the 2017 Audi R8?
The redesigned R8 centers its cabin around a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. It also has Audi’s MMI navigation and touch-control system as a core standard feature.
2017 Audi R8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Audi R8.
4.5
2017 Audi R8
(12 reviews)
“Definitely a great car! The performance is light years ahead of the mark 1 Audi R8, and it shows when put up against the competition. For instance, it just won Motor Trend's "World's Greatest Drag Race 6" against the competition. Everything you want from a Huracan as a driver, minus the hurdles for factory warranty and repairs.”
“So far, this is the most comfortable sports car I've owned. It's been absolutely fantastic.”