Big updates are in store for Audi‘s red hot lineup of RS performance cars, with the string of updates being spearheaded by the Audi R8. Audi promises some welcome changes for eager enthusiasts, and at first glance, it seems that they will all do their part towards making this special lineup of vehicles an even better performance buy.
More Power Is In Store For The 2022 Audi R8
It wasn’t too long ago that the rear-wheel-drive version of the R8 became an official mass-produced R8 variant (it was a limited release prior.) This flavor of R8 is lighter and more accessible to consumers, and now it’s a much stronger offering with Audi engineers tweaking the engine to produce 563 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s a noticeable jump over the outgoing model’s 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, and that should translate into a bigger smile on the face of the lucky individual behind the wheel.
The V10 engine is still mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, but Audi now claims that the beefier R8 can make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. In addition to the beefier performance, R8 buyers also have two new option packages to choose from. The newly minted Sport Exhaust equipment group bundles a four-button steering wheel with a sport-tuned exhaust and a specially tuned Performance mode for the drive mode selector.
Meanwhile, the Dynamic package is less expressive, but it still brings a few goodies to buyers. They include bigger 20-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes on all four wheels, and leather racing seats. As for buyers looking to buy an all-wheel-drive model, you’re out of luck with the German luxury carmaker not making any changes to it for the 2022 model year. As for the future, Audi has not confirmed whether the R8 will live to see a third-generation or not? The push for electrification is gaining steam. The company has so far been very vague on the direction that the R8 will head, especially as tightening fuel regulations close in on its V10 engine.
Sharper Design Highlights Other RS Updates
With the R8’s updates focusing on power, Audi Sport chose to focus on design and aesthetics for the rest of the 2022 RS model updates. The RSQ8, RS7 Sportback, RS6 Avant, and certain flavors of the RS5 all get an all-new RS-Design Package. As the name implies, this package is focused on style, with equipped models getting an upgraded leather interior. Alcantara upholstery is abundant, and in some models, the seat belts even get attractive contrast stitching. The rest centers on adding more technology to certain models. For example, the RS6 and RS7 get optional Dynamic Ride Control technology while RS Q8 gains more standard equipment with Adaptive Cruise Assist bundled with Traffic Jam Assist and Audi Active Lane Assist.
Sadly, Audi released only one image in its release, but we hope to see more of the other updated models soon, especially the RS Q8 and the RS7.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.