Driving With More Excitement And More Power, Audi Presents The R8 V10 Performance RWD

Revving with even more power and fun, Audi presents the true meaning of performance with their new R8 V10 performance RWD.

Available as a Coupé or Spyder, the new R8 V10 performance RWD is the sporty new cutting edge of serial rear-wheel-drive sports cars from the brand.

Audi Sport GmbH’s managing director, Sebastian Grams, commented, “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 race car and its unfiltered dynamics. Now it has 30 PS (29 hp) and 10 Nm more, taking the driving experience to a whole new level.”

First and foremost, 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.

Performance-wise, 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 output reads at 419 kW (570 PS/562 hp) and fires up to 550 Nm of torque, which it distributes to its rear wheels with a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission.

This mid-mounted engine sports car surges from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 329 km/h for the Coupé version.

Whereas the Spyder version sets an acceleration time of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 327 km/h.

Notably, its mechanical limited-slip differential distributes the torque ideally based on the driving situation, ensuring excellent traction even when the roads are wet.

As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminium using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, with large parts made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Thus, making the Coupé version of the R8 V10 performance RWD to weigh only a mere 1,590 kg and the Spyder version at 1,695 kg.

Besides that, the suspension and driving dynamics are specifically balanced for the rear-wheel-drive to emphasise on the fun driving aspect.

Meaning, when Sport Mode is activated in the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the suspension setup and control systems will allow controlled drifts.

Plus, the electromechanical power steering provides close contact with the road, and dynamic steering, available for the first time in the new model, provides greater reaction and feedback.

Resulting with a better dynamic driving through more direct steering, for example, on curvy country roads or when turning.

Additionally, it also increases comfort by making steering easier, such as when parking or manoeuvring.

The RWD sport suspension adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive features a double-wishbone setup and a passive differential lock.

Completing the driving setups are extra-light 19 and 20-inch aluminium cast wheels that ensure precise handling and lane control in quick turns.

However, Cup wheels in 245/30 R20 upfront and 305/30 R20 at the back are available optionally, providing extra grip and dynamics.

Also, with speed comes stopping power. Hence, an 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system are offered.

Aesthetic-wise, the entire silhouette exudes sportiness and interestingly, the overly athletic design is inspired by its GT4 siblings.

Elements of this include the broad, flat Single-frame radiator grill in matte black, an R8 emblem flanked by large air intakes, the front splitter, the rear air outlet grid and the oval tailpipes.

That’s not all, the slit under the front hood that gives it a menacing outlook is also reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport Quattro.

Paint-wise, the new R8 is available in ten colour options. One of them is Ascari Blue Metallic, which was previously only available for the R8 V10 Performance Quattro.

Diving inside, the tight lines featured in the design set the tone nicely, in which the new R8 V10 performance RWD sports an ambience that gives out a race car feeling all around.

To begin with, the ‘R8 performance’ design package boasts an interior with black Alcantara leather, contrast stitching in Mercato Blue and decorative carbon inlays.

Significantly, 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.

Said ‘Monoposto’ encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen integrated into a freestanding casing.

Moreover, the R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction Plus offers two or, in the performance version, four control satellites.

These are for the usage of Audi drive select, to start the engine, to activate Performance Mode and the engine sound, as well as to control the Audi virtual cockpit.

On top of that, drivers and passengers can enjoy the ride in their newly available R8 bucket or sports seats, upholstered in leather and Alcantara.

Overall, the R8 V10 performance RWD is now open for orders. In Germany, where it is largely built by hand, the base price for the Coupé is EUR 149,000 (RM 715,524), and for the Spyder, it starts at EUR 162,000 (RM 777,871).