Introduced in concept form back in 2003 and in production form in 2006, the Audi R8 has served as the German-based automaker’s halo vehicle for nearly two decades now. Unfortunately, the rival to General Motors’ Corvette C8 has finally ceased production largely due to poor sales and the discontinuation of its engine.
Of course, the R8 hasn’t always been a direct rival to America’s sports car since its inception, as the Corvette didn’t make the transition to a mid-engined layout until the 2020 model year. Back in 2006, the Corvette C6 ruled Chevy dealerships, and was a much different performance machine as compared to the R8. That being said, things changed with the debut of the 2020 Corvette.
While the second-generation R8 had already been roaming public streets for a few years before the C8 Stingray was unveiled, Audi’s performance car was certainly comparable upon the Vette’s debut. A naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 gasoline engine was found under the hood of every second-gen Audi R8 unit, developing anywhere from 533 to 612 horsepower and 398 to 428 pound-feet of torque depending on the model. This output was directed to either the rear wheels or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
While the C8 Stingray may appear to be less powerful than the R8 on paper, the performance numbers tell a different story. Despite the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine producing “just” 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when properly equipped – or more than 100 horsepower less than the most potent R8 model – the C8 launches to 60 mph in less than three seconds, which is slightly faster than the R8’s 3.1 seconds. This is quite the remarkable statistic, as the C8 Stingray boasts two less drive wheels than the R8.
The discrepancies became more apparent as more Corvette C8 variants were released. The C8 Z06 makes more power with two fewer cylinders, while the C8 E-Ray holds the record of the quickest production-spec Corvette with a 0 to 60 mph sprint of 2.5 seconds thanks to its own AWD system.
Finally, the Corvette simply stands as a better value than the R8 for most buyers, as a “base” model 2024 Stingray boasts a starting price south of $70,000, while Audi’s halo vehicle featured a starting MSRP in the $150,000 range. Considering that a 2024 Z06 can be picked up for $111,795, the R8 performance-to-dollar ratio couldn’t match that of the current Corvette.
Moving forward, it’s unclear if the Audi R8 will be succeeded by another ICE-powered vehicle, an all-electric vehicle, or at all.
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Comments
I always enjoy seeing the guys in the European supercars getting stupid with corvettes- then watching the vettes just walk away from them. 40-80% cheaper, can drive it as a daily and not have it in the shop for 3 months after driving it for 5k miles. I remember one time that one of the Euro cars only rated the engine for 10k miles before rebuild-???
European car makers have been very good at brain washing and getting people to drink the KOOL AID.
I would like to know who has been paying list for z06 cars in my area the dealers have been asking $50 to 100k over list making the foreign brands seem reasonable
Local dealership had 5 or 6 new Z06s that they were selling at list. Not sure if they have any left or not.
Much cheaper electric vehicles can outperform these overpriced sports cars with V10 engine.
Some more cars with this type of engine will bite the dust.
Depends on what kind of contest you are envisioning.