Audi R8 gets a bit of a facelift and a bit more power for 2019

The Audi R8 – Audi’s mid-engined supercar – gets a cosmetic update for 2019, an increase in power and the R8 Plus becomes the R8 Performance.

It’s more than three years since the current Audi R8 arrived with just a V10 option (no V8 R8 this time around), so Audi reckons it’s time for a bit of a makeover to keep it current.

That said, the cosmetic bit of Audi’s R8 Facelift for 2019 isn’t exactly extensive, with the usual facelift fodder including a tweaked nose by redesigning the grille and splitter, a bit of a tweak for the engine cover at the back and oval tail pipes. 

Inside there’s even less to shout about with just some extra Alcantara, if you want it, and some new interior colour options to go with the new exterior paint and alloy options.

Audi has been a bit busier with the R8 under the skin, with a tweak or three to the 5.2 litre V10 now delivering 562bhp (up from 533bhp) in the regular R8, and 611bhp (up from 603bhp) in the R8 Performance (which was the R8 Plus).

There are also changes to the steering and suspension claimed to improve stability across the range, and a tweaking of the driving modes for greater differentiation.

The 2019 Audi R8 will go on sale in the New Year. You can probably expect a price rise, especially for the regular R8.