2020 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Audi R8 gets a mid-cycle refresh led by sharper front and rear styling. It returns to the U.S. after skipping the 2019 model year, with a stronger standard V10 and new V10 Performance naming.
About the 2020 Audi R8
2nd generation (2017-2023), mid-cycle refresh year in the US lineup.
Audi positioned the R8 as its closest road car to motor racing: a mid-engine, naturally aspirated V10 supercar that blends race-bred drama with the polish of an Audi road car. Compared with flashier exotic rivals, the R8’s appeal is that it is brutally fast but still approachable to drive, with quattro all-wheel drive, a driver-focused digital cockpit, and enough comfort and visibility to feel usable beyond special occasions.
The standard V10 Coupe and Spyder are the more road-friendly versions, pairing a 562-hp V10 and AWD with adaptive suspension and heated leather seats. The 602-hp V10 Performance models are more focused, with carbon-ceramic brakes and a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing; the Spyder versions add a power-folding cloth roof.
What changed, by category
2020 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 |
| 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 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 562 hp | 562 hp | 602 hp | 602 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 55.1 in | 55.1 in | 55.1 in | 55.1 in |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Audi R8?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle styling refresh. The 2020 R8 has a sharper front and rear design, while the standard V10 also gains 30 hp for a total of 562 hp.
Was there a 2019 Audi R8 in the U.S.?
No, Audi skipped the 2019 model year for the R8 in the U.S. The updated car returned for 2020 as four AWD models: V10 Coupe, V10 Spyder, V10 Performance Coupe, and V10 Performance Spyder.
Did the Audi R8 V10 Plus get a new name for 2020?
Yes, the former R8 V10 Plus is called the V10 Performance for 2020. The higher-output model keeps a 602-hp V10 and adds focused hardware such as carbon-ceramic brakes and a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing.
How do the 2020 R8 V10 and V10 Performance differ?
The standard R8 V10 has 562 hp and a more road-friendly setup with adaptive suspension and comfort-focused seats. The V10 Performance has 602 hp, carbon-ceramic brakes, a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing, and more performance-focused controls.
Did the 2020 Audi R8 Spyder receive the same refresh as the Coupe?
Yes, both Spyder versions receive the refreshed front and rear styling. The standard V10 Spyder has 562 hp, while the V10 Performance Spyder has 602 hp and more focused braking and aerodynamic hardware.
2020 Audi R8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Audi R8.