We present a low-mileage, first-generation (Type 42) Audi R8 V10 Coupe, a landmark modern supercar that marked the German marque's definitive arrival into the mid-engine exotic car space. Finished in a striking shade of Brilliant Red over a Black leather interior and showing just 2,626 miles, this example retains its original specification, carbon trim, and single-owner history from Illinois. Powered by Lamborghini’s legendary naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 and paired with quattro all-wheel drive, this Gen-1 R8 represents the purest, most mechanical expression of Audi’s halo car, long before the era of turbocharging and electrification came about.

Introduced in 2007 and hand-built near Neckarsulm, Germany, the first-generation Audi R8 V10, occupies a pivotal place in modern performance-car history. Introduced as Audi’s flagship in the late 2000s, it translated Le Mans-winning Quattro tech into a road-going, mid-engine supercar that could genuinely rival the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, while remaining uniquely usable. The V10 variant further elevated the R8 from a technical showcase to a true supercar, borrowing its 5.2-liter naturally aspirated engine directly from the Lamborghini Gallardo, but tuned with Audi’s signature blend of performance, refinement, and durability.

Putting out 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, the R8 V10 delivers explosive acceleration, a spine-tingling 8,700-rpm redline, and a soundtrack that remains ones of the defining one from the naturally aspirated era. 60 mph takes just under 4.0 seconds, and top speed is rated at 196 mph. Unlike many contemporaries, the bulk of the R8 lineup pairs the V10 with quattro all-wheel drive, giving it exceptional real-world traction and stability without diluting driver engagement. The result was a car equally comfortable carving up mountain roads or race tracks, devouring highway miles, or on high-speed autobahn stints, essentially delivering repeatable performance without the fragility often associated with exotic machinery. This is because the R8 benefited from robust build quality and practicality associated with the German automaker. While a 6-speed manual transmission was available, the car seen here features the 6 Speed R-Tronic transmission.

This particular 2010 example further stands out for its exceptionally low mileage at just 2,626 miles at the time of documentation. CARFAX notes a minor damage entry related to a broken door glass from a break-in, with factory glass replacement only and no paintwork performed. Finished in Brilliant red with a black leather interior with carbon fiber trim that has stood the test of time, this car is remarkably well preserved for its age, making it one of those rare examples that are increasingly difficult to find, as most first-generation R8s are driven, modified, or have accumulated higher mileages at this point. Harkening back to the Walter de Silva days, design details like the side blades finished in carbon fiber here give the R8 its distinctive look. The forged 19-inch Y-spoke aluminium alloy wheels serve as a great contrast. LED headlights might be commonplace today, but it was the Gen-1 R8 that helped popularize the idea.

As Audi has since transitioned the R8 toward later-generation updates and, ultimately, the end of production in 2024, early V10 cars like this one are increasingly desirable and is now recognized as a modern classic. With a naturally aspirated engine, hydraulic steering feel, and timeless design, this R8 V10 represents a closing chapter in Audi’s most analog supercar era, and a compelling acquisition for collectors seeking a low-mile, reference-grade example.