DecodedCars2021 Audi R8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe, 2dr Spyder
- Engines
- 5.2L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–3,743 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Audi R8 is a two seaters offered with a 5.2L 10-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,649 lb (2dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 23 highway), 11% worse than the 2021 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 R8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 R8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 174.4 in | 76.8 in | 48 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 63 in | 3,649 lb | |
| 2dr Spyder | 174.4 in | 76.8 in | 48 in | 104.3 in | 64.2 / 63 in | 3,743 lb | 42/58 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 2WD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -11% | $4,850 | 528 |
| R8 Spyder 2WD | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 23 / 17 | -11% | $4,850 | 528 |
| R8 | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 16 | -16% | $5,150 | 567 |
| R8 Spyder | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 16 | -16% | $5,150 | 567 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Audi R8.
Similar 2021 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi R8 (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 22 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2021 Jaguar F-Type | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Lubricant · Apr 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V225000 · 8 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 R8 Spyder and 2021-2022 R8 Coupe vehicles. The gearbox may have an insufficient amount of transmission oil, which can lead to clutch slippage, and in certain driving situations, a transmission oil leak.
- Risk
- Clutch slippage can cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. A transmission oil leak in the presence of hot exhaust components can increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and correct the transmission oil level, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 37O1.
Not every 2021 Audi R8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Audi R8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Audi R8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi R8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other R8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 R8 | 18 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 R8 | 17 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 R8 | 16 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 R8 | 15 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2008 R8 | 15 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →