2019 Audi R8 facelift revealed

Audi has updated the R8 for 2019 with more power, a new design and revised technologies.

It has signalled its commitment to the atmo 5.2-litre V10 powering its R8 by bumping the top variant’s outputs to 456kW and 580Nm, marking an increase of 7kW and 20Nm.

Regular R8s get an even bigger 23kW power boost to 419kW (up from 397), however torque increases by only 10Nm to 550Nm.

Upgrades to the engine’s valve train are credited for the extra power, it now uses titanium components. Audi has also fitted a particulate filter to its reduce emissions.

Audi has renamed the variant line-up, changing the R8 V10 Plus to the R8 V10 performance quattro and the R8 V10 to the R8 V10 quattro.

The Plus is now a tenth faster from 0-100km/h, completing the test in 3.1 seconds. The regular R8 completes it in 3.4sec, meanwhile, Spyder versions will be a tenth slower.

The optional dynamic steering and regular system have been retuned for more response and feedback to match a revised suspension setup.

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A front roll-bar made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminium saves 2kg, joining ‘ultralight’ 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes on the options list. The car features 19-inch wheels as standard.

Audi claims stopping distances from 100km/h and 200km/h to rest are slashed by 1.5 metres and 5 metres respectively with a new ESC calibration. It’s also added the modes Dry, Wet and Snow to help the car handle different conditions.

Style-wise its front radiator grille has been widened and flattened. The side air inlets on the front bar have also been cleaned up, deleting the inserted slats and widening its overall width.

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The engine’s air filter is housed in a new cover within the bay that can be styled in carbon fibre.

New side skirts and rear bumper feature, the latter now housing oval tailpipes. The current R8 uses rectangular tips.

Audi’s fitted a new rear air vent grille that stretches across the entire width of the car underneath the taillights.

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Kemora Grey and Ascari blue have been added to its colour palette and while customers can customise R8s inside or out.

Deliveries start early 2019 in Europe while Australia expects them to start sometime fourth quarter next year.