Audi R8 facelift spied for the first time

Facelifted R8 likely to keep naturally-aspirated V10 engine, before turning electric in 2021

The Audi R8 supercar is readying itself for a mid-life facelift – and our spy photographers have caught it testing for the very first time.
While many of the cosmetic changes are disguised by the camouflage wrap, it looks like Audi will update the front grille and vents – removing the existing car’s vertical slats from the outer gills. While the lights look unchanged, it’s likely these will see a light refresh on the facelifted car.

The test car appears to be based on the existing R8 V10 Plus, with the same two-tone side blades and carbon rear spoiler. At the back, the most notable change is the exhaust pipes, which have switched from a rhombus shape to the familiar RS-style oval. On the previous-generation car this set-up was reserved for V10 cars, suggesting the revised car will keep its high-revving 5.2-litre engine.

However, Audi is expected to expand the facelifted R8 range to offer multiple powertrains. In addition to the naturally-aspirated V10, V8 hybrid and V6 models may also appear.
The six-cylinder version would be carried over from the latest RS 4 and RS 5 models, while the hybridised V8 would provide extra shove via an electrified front axle. This configuration is already used in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, producing more than 670bhp and 850Nm of torque.

Offering two downsized motors would allow Audi to continue selling the R8 in as many global markets as possible, as increasingly stringent emissions regulations take hold in places like China, Japan and Europe. The V8 hybrid would provide a suitable range-topper when the firm is finally forced to kill the V10.
However, when the R8 is replaced entirely in 2021, there’s a chance it could ditch its thirsty combustion engines completely in favour of an all-electric set-up. This would provide Audi with an EV rival for the plug-in BMW i8, while also complying with future emissions targets