The 2020 Audi R8 is available in two trim options, namely the base Quattro variant and the more potent Performance variant. The base V10 Quattro trim is priced at $169,900 where the V10 performance trim costs an extra $26,000. Both the trims have standard Quattro AWD and optional packages. However, the Performance trim gets a track-tuned V10 engine as it delivers 49 hp more power than the base trim. the only difference between the two trims is the use of more carbon-fiber parts all around.

Which trim should you buy?

The base trim of the 2020 Audi R8 is offered at a hefty price of $169,900. Instead of spending extra for the Performance trim, you can settle with the base trim. It offers great value with its standard package of performance, technology, design, and comfort. You can enhance the value by adding optional packages and features. The Performance trim is sports-oriented where the base trim is a more practical and feasible option. If you want an Audi R8, you should pick the base trim to get a fair value.

Behind the passenger compartment is a raucous V10 engine that makes as much as 602 horsepower depending on which version you choose and literally howls when prodded - Car and Driver

The mighty V10 is what powers the 2020 Audi R8. The base trim gets a Twin-Turbocharged 5.2L 10 cylinder engine that boasts a massive 562 hp of peak power at 8,100 RPM. With that, you have a torque output of 406-pound feet at 6,400 RPM. As the R8 is a mid-engined car, the low center of gravity gives it an agile and balanced ride with great handling. With the Performance trim, the same 5.2L V10 outputs better 602 hp of power at 8,250 RPM and a torque output of 413 lb-ft at 6,500 RPM.

Both the engines are mated to a 7-Speed S-Tronic (dual-clutch) automatic transmission that ensures that you have a great throttle response. With the standard Quattro AWD, the power is delivered to all four wheels in a 50:50 ratio. The base engine-powered 2020 R8 sprints from 0-60 MPH in a mere 3.4 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in just 11.5 seconds. The R8 Performance trim is faster with its 3.2 seconds in the 0-60 MPH run. Also, the quarter-mile timing is much better as it reaches a top speed of 205 mph.

The 2020 Audi R8 has gotten better in terms of balance and handling. With its sport-tuned suspension, the R8 is a fun-to-drive sports car with its cornering abilities and agile handling. The steering wheel feels light and offers the smallest turning radius of all cars. With its Audi space frame, the Audi R8 has a practical lightweight steel frame that makes it fast and capable. The well-balanced structure keeps it stable around the corners. With the ride control adaptive suspension, you have Audi Magnetic ride as well that uses magnetic fluid-filled shocks for utmost comfort and ride quality.

As the Audi R8 is capable of going beyond 200 MPH, it requires advanced braking. The 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes of the R8 works with the ABS. You can avail optional Ceramic disc brakes with the Performance trim. With 8 piston calipers, you get 14.4-inch front brake rotors. At the rear, you have smaller 14.0-inch rotors with 4 piston calipers. Even after weighing more than 3,500lbs, the Audi R8 is likely to deliver a great braking performance.

With its standard 562 hp V10 engine and an AWD setup, the 2020 Audi R8 delivers just 13 MPG in the city, 20 MPG on the highway, and 16 MPG of the combined economy. The R8 may not be a suitable ride to drive around in the city, yet it has a decent mileage on the highway as you get a maximum range of 504 miles with its massive 21.9-gallon fuel tank. On opting for the Performance variant, these figures do take a plunge for sure.

As compared to the rivals, the Audi R8 has the lowest fuel economy. Being a hybrid sports car, the Acura NSX has 21 MPG in the city. Yet Audi has made sure that the range is not that bad as it has the biggest fuel tank in the class. And that's how the Audi R8 has the longest range on the highway, even after consuming maximum fuel.

It'll take a degree of commitment, but yes, the R8 is something of an everyday supercar - Motortrend

Being a luxury brand, Audi never fails to surprise us with its premium interiors. The 2020 R8's cabin is designed with fine Alcantara leather upholstery and contrast stitching. You have up to 7 color options, out of which 3 of them are dual-tone color options. The sports-oriented luxury cabin is focused on the driver. The optional package adds a whole lot of carbon fiber too. As simple as it looks, the dashboard inside the Audi uses soft-touch plastic and fiber.

From the driver's perspective, the sporty dashboard is designed with an all-digital instrument cluster by Audi virtual cockpit that also acts as infotainment with the Audi MMI system. The sports steering wheel is wrapped in leather with numerous controls and paddle shifters. The bucket seats are softened with the Nappa leather trim. As standard, you have 18-way power seat adjustments with pneumatic side and leg bolsters.

The seats are quite comfortable and spacious. You can avail yourself of the sport seats with the Performance trim. The optional features add a full leather package with diamond stitching which makes the cabin plusher. When it comes to convenience, you have an automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated seats, one-touchdown power windows, illuminated locking glove box, 2 12V Dac outlets, and steering operated cruise control with a driver's footrest.

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Alcantara and Nappa leather trim
• Sport Leather/Aluminum Steering Wheel
• Heated Front Racing Shell Sport Seat
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Power-adjustable steering wheel

 With its typical sports car interior, Audi has integrated the infotainment display with the instrument cluster. A 12-inch Audi virtual cockpit is there for you. It works with the Audi MMI system to deliver you a unique entertainment experience. The MMI navigation plus adds Google Earth and a real-time traffic display. The Audi music interface has 2 USB ports and a 3.5 mm aux support. Moreover, you have an in-dash CD player and Bluetooth connectivity too. 

There's a SiriusXM radio subscription with a radio data system to keep you connected. With the Audi smartphone interface, you get Apple CarPlay device integration for Apple devices. The Infotainment is mated to the premium sound system with 5 speakers and a 140 W amplifier that makes the music come alive inside the cabin. The all-digital gauge cluster displays real-time information such as assistance features and safety alerts.

The 2020 Audi R8 has changed a lot within its 14 years of reign. The sharp design of the R8 looks both upscale and stylish yet it reminds us of the actual design lines from the past. As it is inspired by Lamborghini, the R8 has a mesmerizing exterior design with edgy body panels and carbon fiber elements. The front fascia gets sharp LED headlamps and an aerodynamic bumper with an integrated signature grille at the center. The massive V10 engine is neatly packed behind the front seats with a cross membrane and is visible from the huge rear windshield.

At the rear, you have a sporty spoiler placed just above the sleek LED taillights. The rear grille covers most of the area above those roaring twin exhausts that are big enough to make you deaf. The aerodynamic beltline ends with air ducts to keep the engine cooled. The R8 sits on 19-inch 5 double-spoke forged alloy wheels. You get bigger 20-inch wheels with the R8 performance trim. The rims are bi-colored with an anthracite finish. To customize your R8, you have optional packages that add carbon fiber accents to the side mirrors and the beltline air ducts. The black theme adds black exterior accents including front and rear grilles.

After the lightweight McLaren 570S, the Audi R8 Coupe is the lightest sports car in the class with its Audi space frame. In terms of length, the R8 is the smallest car. With a widebody design and a decent height, the Audi R8 has a massive ground clearance of 4.3 inches. The monocoque structure is laid on a wide 104.4-inch wheelbase. The Acura NSX is the closest rival to R8 in terms of dimensions and size.

The 2020 Audi R8 gets a rigid aluminum structure with its monocoque construction. The lightweight structure adds both to performance and rigidity. The R8 Coupe is safer than the convertible as it can protect the occupants better with its strong body shell. However, it has not been rated by the two topmost organizations for the safety tests due to its high cost. The R8 is properly equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance features to keep you safe on the road. For the starters, you have adaptive cruise control, Audi park distance control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The cabin is protected with advanced airbags and safety belts. There's a lane keep assist system as well.

Some of the standout safety features of the 2020 Audi R8 Coupe are as follows:

• Aluminum monocoque construction
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rearview camera
• Audi parking system plus Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Side Impact Beams
• Lane keep assist
• Electronic Stability Control

2020 Audi R8 Coupe vs 2020 McLaren 570S

The Audi R8 is moving up the class quickly to compete with the top supercar manufacturers such as McLaren. Both R8 and 570S have similar power output whereas the McLaren offers a better acceleration with its carbon-fiber lightweight structure. The McLaren 570S competes with the Performance trim to deliver a similar driving experience too. So as far as performance is considered, it's the 570S all the way.

2020 Audi R8 vs 2020 Acura NSX

The 2020 Audi R8 delivers a pure supercar experience with up to 600 hp of pure power, with its Performance variant. The Acura NSX on the other hand is a hybrid sports car that can be both fast and friendly. With its greater power output, it takes down the R8 easily. When it comes to the overall experience of ride and comfort, the Audi R8 is way ahead of the NSX.

2020 Audi R8 vs 2020 Nissan GT-R

The Audi R8 drives like a charm both on the track and on the road. With its handling, it can find its way out of the traffic. The Nissan GT-R is more of a practical approach to both performance and space. However, it lacks the luxury touches and technology that are offered by Audi. A tuned-up R8 can take down the GT-R with its 205 MPH of top speed.

The 2020 Audi R8 is a purebred supercar designed for the ones who want to experience the thrill of track racing on road. The best thing about Audi is that they keep on updating their cars every year with something better. Amongst the unchanged rivals, the 2020 Audi R8 offers a fresh design, the latest cabin features, amazing comfort levels, robust performance, and a unique luxury experience. The available options and packages also give you the chance to customize your R8 as per your choice. The new generation brings a lot of changes to its driving experience, handling, and performance. Yet you can drive your R8 every day as it is too amazing to resist. At $169,900, the 2020 Audi R8 Coupe can be your first-ever supercar without hurting your bank balance too much.