Audi R8 generations drag race: which is fastest? 

A moment of silence please for the Audi R8, because this much-loved supercar is no more. It’s bowing out with the GT version, a rear-wheel drive model which is lighter and sharper than the standard car.

It’s been 18 years since the R8 first burst onto the scene, and it was lauded at the time for being the first mid-engined supercar which was usable every day. Many different versions of the R8 have come and gone in that time, and we’ve got six of them here to find out which is fastest down the quarter mile.

1. Audi R8 Mk1 V8

Let’s start with the OG. The Audi R8 V8 made its debut in late 2006 with a 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine putting out 414hp and 430Nm of torque. This is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, making it the only car here with three pedals. This car tips the scales at 1,560kg, and back in the day it would’ve set you back £78,000.

2. Audi R8 Mk1 GT Spyder

Moving on to the 2011 GT, it has a 5.2-litre V10 engine with 560hp and 540Nm of torque, and this is paired to a six-speed automated manual gearbox driving all four wheels. It weighs exactly the same as the V8 at 1,560kg, and when new it cost £180,000.

3. Audi R8 Mk1 V10 LMX

The last of the Mk1 R8s we have for you is the 2015 LMX. Ths special edition R8 uses a 5.2-litre V10 with 570hp and 540Nm of torque, and it has the same six-speed automated manual gearbox as the GT sending power to all four wheels. The LMX comes in at 1,590kg, and it would’ve set you back £170,000 in 2015.

4. Audi R8 Mk2 RWD

Now for the first Mk2 R8 in thelineup, and it’s the rear-wheel drive model. Going to those rear wheels is 540hp and 500Nm of torque courtesy of a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8. It’s also the first car here to use a proper dual-clutch ‘box as opposed to a robotised manual. This car weighs 1,600kg, and it cost £120,000 when new.

5. Audi R8 Mk2 V10 Performance Spyder

If this car looks familiar, that’s because it’s Mat’s old daily driver. This R8 V10 Performance has a 5.2-litre engine with 620hp and 580Nm of torque going to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It’s also the heaviest car here at 1,695kg, and it costs £167,000.

6. Audi R8 Mk2 GT

Finally then we have the R8’s swansong, the GT. It’s the lightest car here at just 1,500kg, and it’s the second to have rear-wheel drive. Behind the driver is the same 5.2-litre V10 as the R8 Performance, putting out 620hp and 565Nm of torque, and it’s the most expensive car in this lineup. You’ll need to cough up £200,000.

So which of these R8s will come out on top? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.

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