Development of the Type 4S began in 2013 and prototypes began testing in early-2014. The Type 4S is based on the Modular Sports System platform shared with the Lamborghini Huracán. The V10 engine used in the Huracàn was detuned for the base model while the power output of the engine remained the same as the Huracàn for the V10 plus model. The Type 4S was introduced at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The all-electric version called the e-Tron which was in development phase in the production life span of the Type 42 was also introduced at the same occasion and was now based on the Type 4S.
The new R8 has two production variants, the base 5.2 FSI model with a 540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp) V10 engine and the more powerful V10 Plus with a 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp) engine. The all-wheel-drive system and the 7-speed S-Tronic transmission are standard with no manual transmission available. The R8 is available with 19-inch wheels as standard with 20-inch wheels available as an option. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also optional equipment.
Presented at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the R8 Spyder is the convertible variant of the new R8. Initially, it was only available with the standard V10 engine, which has a power output of 540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp), although a V10 Plus Spyder with the engine having a power output of 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp) was added to the range in mid-2017.
Unveiled at the 2017 International Motor Show Germany, the R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) is the rear-wheel-drive variant of the Audi R8 limited to 999 units. It utilises the same 540 PS (533 hp; 397 kW) V10 engine of the standard R8 V10. For Spyder, weight is reduced by 40 kg (88 lb) at 1,680 kg (3,704 lb).
The R8 received a mid-cycle facelift in October 2018. The base V10 was renamed V10 quattro, while V10 plus was renamed V10 Performance quattro. Engine power increased by 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) for the base V10 quattro to 570 PS (562 hp; 419 kW) and the V10 performance quattro saw a power increase by 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp), now up to 620 PS (612 hp; 456 kW). The facelift model went on sale in Europe in early 2019.
Audi announced on 19 November 2019 that the R8 V10 RWD models would become permanent in its lineup. Both R8 Spyder and Coupe models will sport the same 540 PS (533 hp; 397 kW) and 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) V10 FSI engine used in the limited edition RWS models. On 7 October 2021, Audi introduced an uprated version for the V10 RWS, named V10 performance RWD. The new model features a slightly detuned engine from the V10 quattro model with the same power of 570 PS (562 hp; 419 kW), but with 10 N⋅m (7 lb⋅ft) less torque at 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft).
Announced in October 2022, the R8 GT is a special edition limited to just 333 units that has been lightened and received performance upgrades for better handling and performance.
The production version of the Audi R8 e-tron was introduced at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The limited production electric sports car was available only in Europe. Fewer than 100 units were sold at the end-of-production run. The R8 e-tron was fitted with two electric motors mounted on the rear wheels having a power output of 462 PS (340 kW; 456 hp) and 919 N⋅m (678 lb⋅ft) of torque.
Introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the R8 Decennium (Latin for "Decade") is a special edition model celebrating ten years of the V10 model of the R8 sports car. The R8 Decennium is based on the R8 V10 performance quattro. The R8 Decennium is limited to 222 units worldwide (50 of which will be imported to the United States) and will only be offered in a coupé bodystyle.
To commemorate the conclusion of the standard R8 V10 quattro model, the R8 V10 quattro limited-edition model was announced in July 2020 for the United States market. The model is limited to 30 units, with trim details such as 20-inch milled wheels in silver, carbon exterior lower trim, and alu-optic mirror caps.
In December 2020, the R8 Panther Edition was announced to introduce the RWD model line in the United States market. Limited to 30 coupe units as the first of the RWD model's production, the R8 Panther Edition features Panther Black crystal effect paint, 20-inch matte black and red wheels, Audi exclusive black and Crimson red interior, and carbon fiber exterior accents.
The Audi R8 LMS is the racing version of the R8. A new race specification V10 engine develops a peak power output of 430 kW (577 hp; 585 PS). The Audi R8 LMS Evo was unveiled in 2018 ahead of the 2019 season. In 2021 Audi Sport revealed the Audi R8 LMS Evo II, which saw improved Aerodynamics, engine characteristics, air conditioning, suspension and traction control.
Audi Sport introduced a version of the R8 for GT4-class racing at the 2017 New York International Auto Show held in April. The GT4's 5.2-litre V10 engine is rated at a maximum power output of 496 PS (365 kW; 489 hp) and 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) of torque. The GT4 is eligible to compete in 13 worldwide racing series and is designed to be an entry-level racing model for amateur racing drivers.
The Audi R8 LMS GT2 was unveiled by Audi at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car has features a high-performance engine with 640 hp, making it the most powerful car in the history of Audi customer racing. The car is eligible to compete in any series featuring the SRO GT2 class. The car has seen a lot of success, including an overall win at the 2022 24 Hours of Zolder.
The Audi R8 has been used as a safety car for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and British Superbike Championship racing series as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Audi R8 LMS won the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour.
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