It's not yet known for how long Audi will continue to make its R8 supercar — whether it will form part of their future focus on electric power-trains, whether it will remain powered by some of the most incredible internal combustion engines around (unlikely, sadly), or whether it will be culled.
But, for now, it's just enjoy this ... the updated 2019 R8.
The chiseled and grooved low-slung sports car debuted today in coupe and convertible formats and sporting a raft of new changes.
From a styling perspective, things are much more perforated and triangular in the R8's nose. The already large primary central grill now has significant vents on either side for company.
And, at the end of the bonnet, are three slits in the bodywork — a retro-flavoured reference to Audis of old (namely the Quattro), and an element also present on the upcoming A3. Expect to see this feature on more and more new four-ringed vehicles.
Changes at the back are less noticeable, but still present. The grillwork underneath the taillights now spans the width of the car, and the sculpted diffuser has grown some aggression.
Other visual changes include a couple of new colours; Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue. Both of which are pictured in the supplied press images.
But if you're anything like us, then it's probably the changes to output that you'll be more concerned about. And, it's good news.
The R8 V10's naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine has received a 22kW and 10Nm boost. It now creates an output of 419kW of power and 550Nm of torque. This adds up to a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds (3.5 seconds for convertible variants), and a top speed of 324km/h.
It's not just the standard V10 that's been given a helping hand, however. The R8 V10 Performance's unit has also been tinkered with. Gains are more humble (7kW and 20Nm, repsectively), but the resulting 456kW and 580Nm are sure to still impress those behind the wheel.
In practice, it's claimed that the improved R8 V10 Performance will do the tonne in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 331km/h.
Other performance improvements under the skin are less fleshed out, although Audi have said that suspension tuning and Electronic Stabaility Control callibrations have been improved for these new models. A new tyre compound is also on the horizon for those keen to sample one of the few naturally aspirated supercars still on the market.
Europeans will be able to get their hands on the new R8 in the first quarter of 2019. For us Kiwis, however, local availability (and pricing) is still to be confirmed.
