Audi R8
The Audi R8 is much newer than many of the sports cars on this list, but it has already confirmed its presence as an icon. This mid-engine auto has two seats and uses the Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system Audis are known for. It began production in 2006, with the second generation arriving in 2015. As such, the Audi R8 is still in its second generation, but it has not changed too significantly from its launch. You can find the R8 as either a coupe or convertible (Spyder), both of which are very popular.
The car is developed, designed, and manufactured by Audi Sport GmbH, the private subsidiary of Audi AG dedicated to high-performance auto parts. The R8 was inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo and it sits on the Huracan platform. It also uses the Audi Space Frame construction, featuring an aluminum monocoque.
The program to develop the Audi R8 started in 2004. Audi approved Frank Lamberty’s design, but then production was frozen. Audi started testing their prototypes in early 2006 before debuting the R8 at the Paris Motor Show the same year. The very first Audi R8 used a 4.2-liter V8 engine that delivered 317 pound-feet of torque along with 420 horsepower. The R8 V10 arrived in December 2008 with its 5.2-liter engine generating 391 pound-feet and 532 horsepower. The resulting engine meant the R8 could reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. It also led to a top speed of 196.4 mph.
The convertible version, the R8 Spyder appeared in 2008 and was introduced the following year. It included more chassis support and a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The 4.2-liter V8 R8 Spyder hit a top speed of 185 mph and reached 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. In 2009, Audi debuted the concept for the Audi e-tron. This was a smaller R8 coupe that had four electric motors. The following years saw many limited-production R8s, such as the R8 GT which only had 333 units or the GT Spyder with the same production. The R8 got a facelift in 2018, including standard LED headlights and a new grille.
The second generation of the Audi R8 made its debut during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. There were two variations, with the base model using a 533-horsepower V10 engine. The V10 Plus delivered 602 horsepower. The body also became stiffer and lighter for this generation. Audi also offered the Virtual Cockpit for the first time.
