Audi just teased the new facelifted 2020 R8 on social media. The photograph Audi Sport revealed does show a few subtle tweaks to the front of the car, but thanks to numerous spy photographs caught earlier we can infer a lot about the facelifted Audi R8. While we are waiting for Audi to introduce the real deal sometime later this year or in early 2019, it is obvious that the new car will receive an even wider front grille, slightly tweaked front lights that cast a clear link to the lights on the latest Audi cars, and far wider front air intakes.

Novelties We Can Expect On The New Facelifted 2020 Audi R8

Have no doubts, the car will retain the V-10 engine we all love, but ever since this new generation emerged three or so years ago, enthusiasts were trying to figure out what kind of a machine will replace that V-8 we had in the previous gen car. Some suggested a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder from the TTRS or the RS3 Sportback, but a far more likely solution would be the use of the V-6, 2.9-liter, biturbo engine we learned about from the latest Panamera.

Earlier this year Autocar reported that some sources from Audi actually confirmed the use of the 2.9-liter engine. As Audi and Porsche engineers developed it in conjunction, it is most likely that this is the engine that will actually end up in the car. And it is a mad engine, remember that. Even in its lowest state of tune, it delivers 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A few tweaks would make it a 500+ horsepower engine. See, it would be a perfect match for the Ferrari-developed 2.9-liter Alfa Romeo uses on its cars.

If we, indeed, see an engine like this in the new facelifted R8, that car should be a tiny bit different in its appearance compared with the full-fledged V-10 version. I am referring to the new look of the bumpers and rear exhaust outlets. Nothing major mind you, as it will still be a mid-engined AWD monster, only now, more attainable. It could sound well too. It does in the Panamera, at least. It just has to be similarly composed and loud in the R8.

The 2020 Audi R8 V-10

Forget about the V-6 now. In this case, I have a feeling that the 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated unit could deliver a deadly 640 horsepower, the same as in the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. Now, that would be proper evolution. Only, the R8 simply can’t be as fast. You know, because of money - Lambo is considerably more expensive.

Conclusion

While the top-notch aerodynamics, the most extreme suspension, and engine setting are still reserved for the most expensive Lamborghini Huracan, the facelifted 2020 Audi R8 V-10, and possible 2020 Audi R8 V-6 should be plenty fast. Personally, sub 3 second 0-60 mph run should be expected from the V-10. Sub 4 seconds 0-60 mph run should be expected from the possible V-6.

In both cases, the top speed will be above 186 mph. It simply has to be.

So, while we are getting a better R8 now, we are also getting a cheaper one. While the current one starts at just under $140,000 in the U.S., the possible V-6 will be, at least, 10-15 grand cheaper. It should be just as fast and just as ridiculous.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Audi R8.

Read our full review on the 2017 Audi R8.

Read our full review on the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder.

Read our full review on the 2011 Audi R8 GT.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus.