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Culture & Lifestyle • Automotive

Audi R8

The Audi R8 was a mid-engine, two-seat sports car produced by Audi from 2006 to 2024.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Audi R8 was a mid-engine, two-seat sports car produced by Audi from 2006 to 2024. It was Audi’s first super sports car and used the company’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The R8 was developed and built by Audi Sport GmbH, and a total of 45,949 units were produced before production ended in March 2024.

Development and debut

The Audi R8 was introduced in 2006 as Audi’s entry into the supercar segment. Its name referenced Audi’s successful Le Mans racing program and the R8 LMP prototype.

Design and drivetrain

The R8 was designed as a mid-engine, two-seat sports car and was notable for using Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. It was offered in coupé and roadster forms over its life cycle.

Production and end of line

The R8 was built by Audi Sport GmbH and assembled in Germany, with production taking place at Neckarsulm and Böllinger Höfe. Audi ended R8 production in March 2024 after 45,949 units had been built.

Performance and variants

The R8 was sold with V8 and later V10 engine options, including high-performance special editions. The final model was the rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 GT RWD.

Key facts

  • The Audi R8 was Audi's first super sports car.
  • It was produced from 2006 to 2024.
  • It featured a mid-engine layout and quattro all-wheel drive.
  • The R8 was developed and built by Audi Sport GmbH.
  • Total production reached 45,949 units.
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Canadian context

The Audi R8 was sold in Canada as a premium performance model and is relevant to Canadian readers as part of the Canadian luxury and sports car market.

Frequently asked questions

What type of car is the Audi R8?
It is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car in the supercar segment.
When was the Audi R8 introduced?
Audi introduced the R8 in 2006.
When did production end?
Audi ended R8 production in the first quarter of 2024; the final car rolled off the line in March 2024.
Who built the Audi R8?
Audi Sport GmbH developed and built the R8 for Audi.
How many Audi R8s were produced?
Audi stated that 45,949 units were produced in total.

References

  1. Audi — https://www.audi.com/en/press-releases/the-audi-r8-a-captivating-legend-16374
    Supports: First super sports car, developed and built by Audi Sport GmbH, total production of 45,949 units, final model details, Le Mans naming background.
  2. Audi — https://www.audi.com/en/audi-r8-2006-2024-16376
    Supports: Production period 2006–2024 and final production count.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8
    Supports: Mid-engine two-seat layout, quattro all-wheel drive, introduction in 2006, production ending in early 2024, Audi Sport GmbH development.
  4. Audi USA — https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/r8/r8-heritage/2024/overview/
    Supports: R8 V10 heritage and technical details including V10 engine use in later models.
  5. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/r8
    Supports: Final-generation R8 GT rear-wheel-drive model and end of production context.