March car of the month: 2022 Audi R8 Spyder

by Michael Chen

posted on March 29, 2024

A love letter to a now-extinct species

It makes me downright sad to know that the final Audi R8 will soon roll off the assembly line, leaving a 5.2L hole in my enthusiast heart. While the nameplate will inevitably make a return, few things are as captivating as the sound of its screaming V10. One that now shares the same fate as most other internal combustion engines — 2023 is the final year for the long-lived R8. And so for March’s car of the month, we’re sending this car off in style by shining a spotlight on LA Auto Spot’s 2022 Audi R8 Spyder.

2022 Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 took its name from a highly decorated sports-prototype race car, with credentials that include five wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and seven American Le Mans series championships. The production vehicle hit showroom floors as a 2007 model, a time when car magazines reigned supreme and social media was in its infancy. It launched with a 414 hp V8, built on a mid-engine layout that helped define this supercar’s unmistakable look. The R8 would go on to turn heads around the world while starring in big budget films, video games, and commercials. Fast forward to today, and it’s enjoyed an incredible near 18-year run.

This 2022 R8 Spyder represents the model’s penultimate year of production, and it holds true to the original design philosophy. It shares the same epic proportions as the original vehicle while adding sharp design cues, consistent with the rest of the Audi family. While the exterior hasn’t changed all that much over the years, it still looks plenty modern and should age gracefully. And as its name indicates, the Spyder specifically offers an open air experience for you and one lucky passenger. With the press of a button, the power-folding soft top goes up or down in just 20 seconds. That should be ample time if you find yourself caught at a red light or a sudden rain shower. Just remember that the system only works if the car is traveling at or under 31 miles per hour.

Located behind the driver, the naturally aspirated 562 hp V10 engine is the same unit found in the Lamborghini Huracán. Thankfully, it also shares its symphonic qualities. Your ears are in for a treat, because this is a motor that sounds great when idling and glorious when revved all the way to its stratospheric 8,700 rpm redline. All that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that ensures lightning quick gear changes. Gearheads will approve of the rear-wheel drive layout, an option we can only hope to see in the unconfirmed but inevitable R8 successor.

You’ll find that the cabin is unsurprisingly comfortable, in true Audi fashion. The two-seat interior packages the usual Audi creature comforts into a minimal but still usable form, ensuring the R8 is ready for a cruise down Sunset Boulevard or a tour of the Malibu canyons. Short trips should be no problem, with just enough room in the “frunk” for two small carry-on bags. You also get some additional storage space behind the seats, which could be useful for some last-minute shopping. Other features include a digital gauge cluster and a 13-speaker premium audio system, although many will be content with the music produced by the V10 engine.

There are plenty of race-inspired additions on the R8, including a sizable dual sport exhaust that only adds to the car’s theatricality. A set of 20-inch five-spoke wheels comes wrapped in max summer performance tires, ensuring incredible grip throughout every corner. And while it’s true that most cars today are equipped with a push-button starter, this one is mounted directly to the steering wheel. A welcome addition for your inner race car driver.

Like many driving enthusiasts, I’ll miss the Audi R8. It’s destined to go down as one of the most iconic cars of its time. And it’ll probably earn its place on several Top 10 lists in the near future. The sun may be setting on this celebrated vehicle, but it’s comforting to know that you can still experience a pristine example like this one. Check it out the next time you find yourself in the City of Angels.

*Daily price subject to change

Michael Chen

Michael has spent most of his career writing about cars. His passions all start with the letter S. That includes his Honda S2000, sustainability, and sushi.

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