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2018 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Audi R8 is the arrival of the limited-run V10 RWS, the first rear-wheel-drive version in the lineup. Audi also added the higher-performance V10 plus Spyder and made a handful of technology and appearance updates without redesigning the car.
About the 2018 Audi R8
2nd generation (Type 4S), second model year in the U.S. and final pre-refresh year before the 2020 facelift; no U.S. 2019 model-year R8 followed.
Audi positions the R8 as its everyday-usable mid-engine supercar: a hand-built halo car that brings real motorsport DNA, a naturally aspirated V10, and exotic performance without giving up Audi-style cabin quality and approachable controls. Compared with rivals, the R8 leans on its mix of speed, quattro traction on most trims, strong visibility, and a cabin that feels more familiar and easier to live with than many pure weekend supercars.
The 2018 R8 lineup ranges from well-equipped V10 coupes and Spyders with all-wheel drive to two more specialized models. The V10 RWS trades all-wheel drive for a lighter, more playful rear-drive setup, while the V10 plus coupe and Spyder pair the higher-output V10 with carbon-ceramic brakes and a more focused performance setup.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Audi added the limited-run V10 RWS with rear-wheel drive and model-specific suspension and steering tuning. The V10 plus Spyder also joined the lineup, bringing the higher-output plus powertrain and performance hardware to the convertible.
Tech
Smartphone integration became standard across the regular V10 models. The V10 plus coupe also gained laser headlights as standard equipment.
Styling
Regular V10 models received revised Audi Sport grille badging and gloss-finish interior trim. The V10 plus gained gloss-finish carbon interior trim, and alloy wheels became standard on the V10 coupe.
2018 Audi R8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter | V10, 5.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 532 hp | 532 hp | 602 hp | 540 hp | 610 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Audi R8?
The biggest change is the new V10 RWS, a limited-run rear-wheel-drive R8 with unique suspension and steering tuning. It was created as a lighter, more driver-focused alternative to the regular all-wheel-drive R8.
Is the 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS all-wheel drive?
No. The 2018 R8 V10 RWS uses rear-wheel drive instead of the all-wheel-drive system fitted to the regular V10 models. It also has model-specific suspension and steering tuning.
Was the Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder new for 2018?
Yes. The V10 plus Spyder joined the lineup for 2018, combining the open-top body with the higher-output V10, carbon-ceramic brakes, performance mode, and carbon-fiber details.
What technology changed on the 2018 Audi R8?
Smartphone integration became standard across the regular V10 models for 2018. The V10 plus coupe also received laser headlights as standard equipment.
Was the 2018 Audi R8 redesigned?
No. The 2018 R8 remained part of the second generation and kept the same underlying platform and overall shape. Its updates centered on new variants, standard equipment, and appearance details.
2018 Audi R8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi R8.
4.6
2018 Audi R8
(5 reviews)