The new 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance is a 5.2 litre naturally aspirated V10 all wheel drive Quattro beast with 610hp & 580nm of torque, 0-100km/h in about 3.2 seconds. The new R8 will do a top speed of 330km/h, the double clutch automatic seven-speed gearbox with flappy paddle shifters helps it achieve this. The sharper lines of the 2020 model give it an angry look with performance to match.

Let’s find out if its more than just a facelift, to start with ‘Performance’ replaces the old ‘Plus’ in the title and the brakes on the R8 are performance inspired, being carbon ceramic with six piston calipers that saves 15 kilograms of unsprung weight. The R8 also comes standard with sports suspension, but you can specify the adaptive magnetic suspension for a plusher ride. You can also get dynamic steering but most people that have driven the R8’s prefer the standard steering.

Let’s look at this new mild facelift with the thinner headlights and more sharp grilles in the front. Some of these new grilles include the three slots under the Audi badge on the bonnet and the grilles next to the new headlights, all these plus some others are all pretend and serve no purpose whatsoever.

Inside the R8 you get new bucket seats which are a big improvement over the previous generation. You can also get ‘Bang & Olufsen’ speakers built into the headrests. This is where the changes end with the rest of the interior remaining basically the same. This makes the interior a bit plain and boring, like a cheaper Audi in the range. A bit of shame when the outside looks like a supercar and the inside looks like a standard Audi A3. You still get the large digital instrument cluster that will display your GPS map on, which I think looks great. With the switch of a button on the steering wheel you can select between several modes & with a press of another button below with a checkered flag on it, you can get full power from that lovely sounding V10.

I think the R8 is almost a beginner’s car for supercar ownership, its safe and a popular choice to get into the world of supercars, all-wheel drive Quattro control and probably usable as a daily driver with Audi reliability. The comfortable ride and comfortable seats won’t beat you up, so you won’t be put off using it for daily driving to work or the shops. So, enjoy the 2020 R8 naturally aspirated V10 before Audi start adding a turbo(s) in the next generation.