autoevolution
 

Audi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the Nurburgring

With production paint and a body kit that hints at the GT version, the updated Audi R8 recently took to the Nurburgring. Just look at the size of those exhausts!
Audi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the Nurburgring 10 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
Audi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the NurburgringAudi R8 GT Facelift Spied Testing at the Nurburgring
Audi made it quite clear that this should be the last generation of the R8. It hasn't been selling all that well, and in the era of electric cars, it doesn't have the marketing impact as the original "German supercar" did.

But even though it's not the most beautiful performance car ever made, we're going to be sorry to see it go. This facelift is, fortunately, being taken quite seriously, as both cosmetic and performance upgrades are planned.

Both the R8 and its respective Lamborghini V10 counterpart have a certain way of operating: you get as much power in the normal car after the facelift as the performance one used to have.

That might mean 640 HP instead of 610 for the R8 GT, thanks to tech from the Huracan Performante. And based on the carbon fiber rear wing, we are dealing with the GT model here, which also sports exhaust pipes the size of a Clydesdale horse hoof.

We love what they've done to the design. The R8's weird vertical blades have been replaced by standard grilles with hints of geometric design. Meanwhile, the rear end is better tied together by that massive black chicken wire. Only fans of the original will notice that the diffuser and side skirts have also changed a little.

Based on the fact that the prototype is testing in full production paint, the debut of the R8 facelift can't be more than three months away. And while rumors of V6 versions refuse to die down, suggesting they are needed in China, we still don't see anything to support downsizing. Audi has plenty of other V6 performance vehicles in the lineup or on the way, ranging from the S4 sedan and going all the way up to big ones like the next S7 or SQ8.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories