The sheer joy of driving meets enhanced performance: the Audi R8 V10 performance RWD

The Audi R8 V10 performance RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) is the sporty new cutting edge of serial rear-wheel drive sports cars from Audi. “The Audi R8 V10 RWD really struck a chord with customers right from the start with its rear-wheel drive derived from the R8 LMS racecar and its unfiltered dynamics. Now it has 30 PS and 10 newton meters more, taking the driving experience to a whole new level,” says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. The base versions of both models, the R8 V10 quattro and the R8 V10 RWD as a Coupé and Spyder, will be replaced by the new performance models. This puts the R8 model range more firmly in the top position.

This mid-mounted engine sports car leaves others in the dust, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder) with a top speed of 329 km/h (327 km/h for the Spyder). The crown jewel of the new R8 is the renowned naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI motor with unparalleled sound, lightning-fast reaction and incredible liveliness. In the R8 V10 performance RWD, the aggregate has an output of 419 kW (570 PS) and brings up to 550 newton meters of torque, which it distributes to its rear wheels with its seven-gear S tronic. That’s 10 newton meters more torque than the Audi R8 V10 RWD. A mechanical limited slip differential distributes the torque ideally based on the driving situation, ensuring prime traction even when the roads are wet. As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminum using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, with large parts made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The Coupé version of the R8 V10 performance RWD thus weighs a mere 1590 kilograms, with the Spyder version weighing in at 1695 kilograms.

The suspension and driving dynamics are specifically balanced for the rear-wheel drive. When Sport Mode is activated in the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the suspension setup and control systems will allow controlled drifts. The electromechanical power steering provides close contact with the road. Dynamic steering, available for the first time for the rear-wheel drive R8, provides even more precise reaction and feedback. This makes driving more dynamic through more direct steering, for example on curvy country roads or when turning. It also increases comfort by making steering easier, such as when parking or maneuvering. The RWD sport suspension is adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive, has double wishbones and a passive differential lock. The axle distribution is 40:60. Extra-light 19 and 20-inch aluminum cast wheels ensure precise handling and lane control in quick turns. Cup wheels in 245/30 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the back, are available optionally and provide extra grip and dynamics. An 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system provide the necessary deceleration.

The overly sporty design is inspired by its GT4 siblings. Elements of this include the broad, flat Singleframe radiator grill in matte black with an R8 emblem flanked by large air intakes, the front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as the oval tailpipes. The slit under the front hood is reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro. The new R8 is available in ten color options. One of them is Ascari Blue Metallic, a color that was previously only available for the R8 V10 performance quattro. The “R8 performance” design package boasts an interior with black Alcantara leather, contrast stitching in Mercato Blue and decorative carbon inlays.

The tight lines of the design set the tone inside the car as well. Its most eye-catching element is the “Monoposto” – the large, heavily contoured arch that spans the area in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly reminiscent of a racecar cockpit. The “Monoposto” encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, which is integrated into a freestanding casing. The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus offers two or, in the performance version, four control satellites, each for using Audi drive select, to start the engine, to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit. Drivers and passengers can enjoy the ride in their newly available R8 bucket or sports seats, upholstered in leather and Alcantara. A badge with the RWD emblem shimmers in front of the passenger seat.

The R8 V10 performance RWD is built – largely by hand – in the “Böllinger Höfe” plant at the Audi location in Neckarsulm, Germany. This is also the production site of the LMS GT4 racecar, which is derived from the series model and uses roughly 60 percent carryover parts. Approximately 40,000 square meters of production space are used, with up to 1,000 highly qualified employees working in sports car assembly.