As Audi says, the R8 is ‘Born on the track, built for the road,’ and for 2019, it will be faster, handle better and have an updated exterior design.

“The R8 occupies a unique position for Audi in every respect,” says Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

“It’s now even more powerful and faster.” adds Oliver Hoffmann, Technical Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH: “Motorsport is part of our DNA. With around 50 percent shared parts with the R8 LMS GT3 and even 60 percent with the R8 LMS GT4, no other automobile is so close to motor racing as the R8.”

At the heart of the Audi R8 is its 5.2 litre naturally aspirated V10 engine which is available with two output ratings. The almost identical drive technology of the V10 engine in the R8 LMS GT3 and R8 LMS GT4 race cars is put to good use on the race track. The V10 engine is very compact. A separate radiator controls the temperature of the engine oil, which comes from a dry sump. This principle was adopted from motor racing and allows for an extremely low installation position of the engine, producing a low center of gravity. The pump enables proper lubrication under all conditions, including during lateral acceleration which can reach 1.5 G’s.

Modifications to the suspension provide even more stability and precision. The assistance has been retuned both with the optional dynamic steering and the electromechanical power steering: Steering response and the feedback from the road come across as even more precise across the entire range of speeds.

Depending on the selected engine, the three additional programs dry, wet and snow are added to the Audi drive select modes with the performance mode. They adapt the key dynamic parameters to the friction coefficient of the road. With the enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the top-of-the-line model brakes from 100 km/h (62.1 mph) to a standstill up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) earlier; the stopping distance from 200 km/h (124.3 mph) is up to five meters (16.4 ft) shorter.

Audi offers ceramic brake discs as an alternative to the standard steel discs. The stabilizer at the front is optionally made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum, which cuts weight by around two kilograms (4.4 lb).

The new Audi R8 is equipped with factory-installed 19-inch wheels. Ultralight 20-inch fully milled wheels in five-V dynamic design with new summer and sport tires, which provide even more precise handling, are available options.

The Singleframe radiator grille has a wider, flatter line. Thick bars divide up the large air inlets. Flat slits in the hood are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-quattro brand icon. The new front splitter is now wider, as is the low-set air vent grille at the rear. The grille rounds off the diffuser that extends upwards. In the engine compartment the air filter is located under a new, three-part cover which is available in a choice of plastic or carbon fiber.

The R8 will be available with up to three exterior packages, depending on the engine. The packages add various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser. As an option, the Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black. The new metallic colors Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue add to the paint range. The Audi exclusive range gives customers the opportunity to customize many details of their Audi R8, inside and out.

The 2019 Audi R8 models will go on sale in early 2019. Pricing, horsepower and other details have not been released yet.