2019 Audi R8 V10 Performance Type 4S (FX Mk2). R8 gets more power and faster steering in a bid to challenge the new 2020 Porsche 911 992. Words and photography by James Disdale.
The noise, oh my word, the noise. Audi may have treated the R8 to a midlife nip and tuck, but thank the stars above it’s not messed with the life-affirming beat of its V10 heart. From yelping start-up, through low-rev growl and on to a multi-layered howl as it spins relentlessly around to the 8700rpm cut-out, this majestic 5.2-litre unit is as much pitch-perfect musical instrument as it is a motivating force.
As we scream round the brilliant Ascari circuit in southern Spain, I have to remind myself we’ve only got a few laps in this production-ready but as-yet unhomologated (WLTP strikes again) version of the new R8, so I need to pull my attention away from the engine, which draws you in like a fly to faeces, and concentrate on the changes to Audi’s mid-engined halo bearer. Not least because, if the rumours are to be believed, this could be the last R8.
To all intents and purposes this is a mildly reworked version of the existing car, which means some sharper styling, a sprinkling of extra power and some judicious tweaks aimed at adding extra edge and involvement to the driving experience. Work to the chassis is pretty basic, with the big change being the option of a carbonfibre front anti-roll bar, which slashes a handy 2kg in unsprung mass over the standard metal item. Also receiving attention is the electrically assisted steering, which gets a faster rack on both the standard and Dynamic set-ups (we’ll get a smattering of laps with both steering systems). Oh, and there’s now the option of a bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which has meant the mapping of the stability control has been Addled with to compensate for the greater grip levels.
The small uplift in power sees the new flagship Performance version of the R8 delivering 611bhp, a 9bhp increase over the old V10 Plus (2015 Type 4S/FX). (There’s also a standard R8 V10 with ‘just’ 562bhp, which is a 29bhp increase on before.) Torque is up 15lb ft to 428lb ft, with the claim for the 0-62mph dash 0.1sec quicker at 3.1sec. You certainly don’t clock the injection of pace – the R8 was always a scintillating performer – while the seven-speed twin-clutch transmission (the only choice) remains a speedy and silky companion.
If you notice anything with the updated car it’s the quickness of the steering, particularly with the Dynamic set-up that changes ratio and response depending on load, speed and so on – although put the car in Performance mode and the ratio remains Axed at its fastest. If anything it’s too quick to respond, unsettling the balance of the car and creating some nervousness on turn-in that’s compounded by that pendulous V10 behind your back. Better to stick with the standard steering, which offsets its fractionally slower reactions with a more natural rate of response.
Turn-in on the Cup 2s is strong, but if you gently trail the brakes on corner entry the rear will move round nicely and a bootful of throttle gives the four-wheel drive a chance to send torque rearward and have you exiting the bend with a lovely flourish of oversteer. After a couple of laps, however, the rubber starts to overheat and you have to deal with ever-bigger inputs and corrections. But the R8 is still fairly approachable and the quick steering and sharp throttle make it straightforward to manage.
So, what have we gleaned from our lap-limited runs? Well, quicker steering aside, it feels very much like the old car, which means it’s still a remarkably exciting, balanced and engaging piece of kit.
TECHNICAL DATA FILE SPECIFICATION 2019 Audi R8 V10 Performance Type 4S (FX Mk2)
Engine V10, 5204cc
Max Power 611bhp @ 8250rpm / DIN (net)
Max Torque 428lb ft @ 6500rpm / DIN (net)
Weight 1595kg (389bhp/ton)
0-62mph 3.1sec
Top speed 205mph
Basic price 2019 UK £141,000 (est)
+ Stunning V10, approachable performance
– Steering still lacks alacrity
Drive-My rating 4.5/5
Above: refreshed R8 gets sharper exterior styling. Left: steering response is quicker thanks to faster rack, but results in the car’s balance becoming unsettled in Performance mode.
