New rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 12 | 09 | 2017
AUDI HAS LIFTED the wraps from a limited edition rear-wheel-drive R8 V10. The new supercar, badged the R8 Rear Wheel Series (RWS), is the first to break free of the Ingolstadt company’s iconic quattro all-wheel-drive setup. Only 999 examples of the R8 V10 RWS will be built, with a mix of Spyder and Coupe variants planned. (Related: Roadtest — Audi R8 V10 Plus)
Powered by the R8’s trademark 533bhp 5.2-litre V10, Audi says the rear-wheel-drive version will cover 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds; that’s two-tenths slower than the standard four-wheel-drive R8. It tops out at 199mph. The Spyder takes 3.8s and ‘only’ manages 198mph.
Not surprisingly, the R8 RWS is lighter: removing the all-wheel-drive system has removed 50kg from the Coupe’s kerb weight. The soft-top version is 40kg lighter than its quattro equivalent. Both return — in theory — 23mpg.
Audi engineers have tweaked the chassis and suspension to maximise the new drivetrain layout and rear-wheel-drive nature of the R8 RWS. An altered traction control system, which boasts ‘Dynamic’ and Sport’ settings created with controlled drifts in mind, is just one example.
RWS models get distinguishable features, including a matt black front grille, gloss black sideblade panels on the Coupe version with body coloured lower blades, and black 19-inch five spoke alloys.
It that’s not enough, you can also specify the optional red decal which runs over the roof from the front end of the car to the rear. All cars feature a a special plaque reads “1 of 999”.
“The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists,” Stephan Winkelmann, head of Audi Sport, said. “A limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer.”
Price? Audi has yet to confirm UK prices, but expect to have to stump up around £128,000 and £139,000 for the Coupe and Spyder respectively when you place your order at your local Scottish Audi dealership.
Related: New Audi Q2 2.0TFSI quattro
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Jim McGill