A brief history of the Audi R8
The stunning, sporty Audi R8 supercar looks like a classic - but it’s much younger than you might think. It actually hit the streets in 2006. The ‘RS’ badging is for the German ‘RennSport’, which in English means ‘racing sport’.
Available as a coupé and the convertible Spyder, they cost from around £129,725, depending on model and specification (the Spyder starts at around £138,415). Not bad, when you consider it’s also a star of the silver screen.
Vorsprung durch technik: progress through technology
Audi AG is a German car manufacturer based in Bavaria, Germany (like BMW) and is part of VAG (Volkswagen Group). Its cars are quality, high end vehicles with a price tag to match, though you can get reasonable second hand deals.
Auto Union, the forerunner of Audi, was founded in 1932 from 4 smaller ones (now symbolised by the 4 rings of the Audi badge). It was bought by Daimler-Benz in 1958. It became part of VAG in the 1960s. VAG created the Audi brand and launched the Audi F103 series in 1965.
The company’s slogan - Vorsprung durch technik - highlights its commitment to innovation throughout its range of models – the A1, the A3 to A8, the Q2 to the Q8, the etron GT and the iconic TT. The motto is writ large in the Audi R8.
Overview of the Audi R8
Now in its 2nd generation, the R8 is designed, developed and built by Audi Sport GmbH, a subsidiary of Audi AG's.
- First generation (2006–2015 - Type 42)
- Second generation (2015–present - Type 4S)
It’s based on the Lamborghini Gallardo with a Lamborghini Huracán platform, built using an aluminium space frame - an innovative first. (Audi owns Lamborghini, by the way.)
This performance car is a 2-seater sports car. From new, you can choose between rear wheel drive and Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It’s a mid-engine design - the engine is situated in front of the rear-wheel axles but behind the front axle. This gives the car better handling, as the weight is distributed to enhance traction and minimise skid.
The R8 was also the first mass production car to come with full LED headlights. In 2013, new Matrix LED headlights debuted in the updated A8. In 2014, the R8 LMX came with laser spot high beams - not just a gimmick, apparently, as Audi says they increase the range substantially, arguably better for safe driving at speed.
Audi RS style
The RS has the highest specification for trim. However, they have a minimalist quality to them that’s potentially intended to focus driver attention onto the performance experience. However, this simple approach to style makes it feel even more a high end supercar.
You can build your own Audi RS on the website, choosing your engine (including the V10 Performance RWD Edition S tronic and the V10 Performance quattro S tronic).
Different models come with different extras. For example, the V10 Performance quattro Edition trim comes with a range of highlights that demonstrate how Aydi pays exceptional attention to detail when it comes to understated luxury:
- 20" '5-V spoke Evo' design cast aluminium wheels in bronze look
- R8 Sport seats in fine Nappa leather upholstery with diamond stitching
- Sideblade in carbon finish
- Black Audi rings and black mirrors
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
Audi paint colours
You can customise other aspects of your RS too, including your alloy wheels, your headlights, and your car paint colour and finish.
The Audi RS is available in 2 solid paint colours:
- Ibis White
- Vegas Yellow
It’s also available in a range of metallic paint colours:
- Ascari Bkue
- Floret Silver
- Kemora Grey
- Mythos Black
- Suzuka Grey
- Tango Red
The RS has a pearlescent car paint option:
- Daytona Grey
Finally, if money’s no object, you can opt for the Crystal paint finish:
- Ara Blue
The Audi R8 at the cinema
In 2008, only 2 years after it was launched, the R8 was immortalised on the silver screen. A metallic Floret Silver Type 42 V8 became Iron Man Tony Stark’s first ride of choice when he wanted to get somewhere fast. Which was usually the case!
The franchise also used a V10 Spyder (the convertible) and an exclusive e-tron prototype. Other Audi models have been used throughout Marvel Universe films ever since.
Audi car touch up paint
Car paint for the Audi RS (or any other model) is available in all the colours listed above, plus any manufacturer discontinued paint colours or limited editions.
PaintNuts can mix all these colours for colour match touch up car paint, available as a high precision car touch up pen, bottle and brush or car spray paint/aerosol.
We can colour-match absolutely any other Audi car paint colour too! Just look up your colour code using your car reg, and off you go.