“The Audi R8 is a solid car and I love it. This is my third because the McLaren failed.”
2023 Audi R8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Audi R8 is the new limited-edition R8 GT, a 602-hp, rear-wheel-drive coupe built as a more track-focused farewell. This is also the R8’s final U.S. model year, while the regular V10 Performance Coupe and Spyder see little change.
About the 2023 Audi R8
2nd generation (Type 4S, 2016-2023 U.S.), after the 2020 facelift; 2023 is the final U.S. model year.
Audi positioned the R8 as a true thoroughbred: born on the track and built for the road. Its appeal was supercar speed without the fussiness of many exotic rivals, pairing a high-revving V10 and mid-engine balance with a clean, driver-first cabin and better day-to-day usability than most cars in this class. The Coupe leaned a little more focused, the Spyder added open-air drama, but the core promise was the same: race-car roots with Audi polish.
The R8 GT is the standout, pairing its naturally aspirated V10 with seven driver-selectable traction settings, quicker shifts, carbon-ceramic brakes and fixed-back racing seats. The regular V10 Performance remains the core hardtop, while the Spyder adds a power-operated fabric roof; both feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new rear-wheel-drive R8 GT uses the 602-hp version of Audi’s 5.2-liter V10. It also adds quicker transmission shifts and Torque Rear Mode, which provides seven traction-control settings.
Styling
The R8 GT adds a carbon-fiber aerodynamic package with new front pieces and a large rear gooseneck wing.
Structural
The R8 GT receives lighter, more track-focused hardware, including a carbon-fiber front sway bar, carbon-ceramic brakes and fixed-back racing seats.
2023 Audi R8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 | |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 602 hp | 602 hp | 602 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Audi R8?
The biggest change is the addition of the limited-edition R8 GT. It is a rear-wheel-drive coupe with 602 hp, seven traction-control settings, quicker shifts, lighter hardware and added carbon-fiber aerodynamic parts.
Is 2023 the final model year for the Audi R8 in the U.S.?
Yes, 2023 is the Audi R8’s final U.S. model year. The limited-edition R8 GT serves as the track-focused farewell version.
How is the 2023 R8 GT different from the regular R8 V10 Performance?
The R8 GT is a lighter, more track-focused rear-wheel-drive coupe. It combines the 602-hp V10 tune with seven traction settings, quicker shifts, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber aerodynamic parts and fixed-back racing seats.
Did the regular 2023 R8 Coupe and Spyder change significantly?
No, the regular V10 Performance Coupe and Spyder changed very little for 2023. There was no broad safety or infotainment overhaul; the new R8 GT and the end of U.S. production are the main stories.
Is the 2023 Audi R8 meaningfully different from the 2022 model?
Only the R8 GT makes 2023 meaningfully different from 2022. The regular V10 Performance Coupe and Spyder are largely carryover models, so the final-year GT is the main reason to focus on 2023 specifically.
2023 Audi R8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Audi R8.
4.6
2023 Audi R8
(15 reviews)
“Audi has a strong reputation for being reliable and safe with new technology/design that someone seeking to stand out in the crowd definitely delivers.”