The new Audi R8 V10 performance RWD, a sporty equivalent to the R8 V10 performance quattro, is available as a Coupé or Spyder with 30 HP extra. This rear-wheel-drive sports car is the epitome of exciting driving, with its 419 kW (570 HP) mid-mounted powerplant and new technological features like bucket seats, dynamic steering, CFK stabilizers, and ceramic disc brakes.

“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.

Audi’s R8 V10 performance RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) sports car is the sporty new cutting edge of serial rear-wheel-drive performance cars. The new performance models will substitute the base variants of both models, the R8 V10 quattro and the R8 V10 RWD as a Coupé and Spyder. This firmly establishes the R8 model range as the most desirable.

Speed + light weight + torque = Audi R8 V10 performance RWD

With a top speed of 329 km/h (327 km/h for the Spyder), this mid-mounted engine sports car leaves competitors in the dust, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder). The famed naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine, with unparalleled sound, lightning-fast reaction, and incredible liveliness is the centerpiece of the new R8.

The R8 V10 performance RWD produces a total of 419 kW (570 HP) and 550 newton meters of torque, which it sends to the rear wheels via its seven-gear S-tronic transmission. The Audi R8 V10 RWD has 10 newton meters more torque. A mechanical limited-slip differential distributes torque optimally based on the driving conditions, ensuring excellent traction even on wet roads.

The body is made of aluminum using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, with large parts made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as is the case with all R8s. The Coupé version of the R8 V10 performance RWD is thus only 1590 kilograms, while the Spyder version is 1695 kilograms.

A genuine drift champion

Because of the rear-wheel drive, the suspension and driving dynamics have been fine-tuned. When the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is set to Sport Mode, the suspension configuration and control systems allow for controlled drifts. Close contact with the road is provided by the electromechanical power steering.

The R8’s dynamic steering system, which is available for the first time on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, allows for even more precise reaction and feedback. Driving becomes more dynamic as a result of the more direct steering, which is useful on curvy country roads or when turning. It also improves comfort by making steering easier, which is effective in cases like parking and maneuvering.

The RWD sport suspension features double wishbones and a passive differential lock and is designed specifically for rear-wheel drive. A 40:60 axle distribution is used. In quick turns, the extra-light 19 and 20-inch aluminum cast wheels ensure precise handling and lane control.

Cup wheels in sizes 245/30 R20 in the front and 305/30 R20 in the back are available as an option, providing additional grip and dynamics. The required deceleration is provided by an 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and an optional 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system.

The engine supplies the performance, the design shows it

Its GT4 brothers influenced the extremely sporty design. The front splitter and rear air outlet grid, as well as the oval tailpipes, are all part of this, as is the wide, flat single-frame radiator grille in matte black with an R8 logo flanked by massive air intakes. The cut under the front hood recalls the classic Audi Sport quattro.

There are eleven color choices for the new R8. Ascari Blue Metallic is one of them, a hue that was formerly reserved for the R8 V10 performance quattro. Interior features black Alcantara leather, Mercato Blue contrast stitching, and ornamental carbon inlays as part of the “R8 performance” design package.

Inside the Audi R8 V10 performance RWD, you feel like a spaceship pilot

The design’s crisp lines also established the tone within the vehicle. The “Monoposto,” a wide, highly curved arch that covers the space in front of the driver’s seat and is strongly evocative of a racing cockpit, is the most eye-catching feature.

The “Monoposto” houses the Audi virtual cockpit, which is encased in a standalone shell with a 12.3-inch screen. The R8 leather steering wheel with Multifunction plus has two or four control satellites, depending on the performance version, for utilizing Audi drive select, starting the engine, activating Performance Mode and the engine sound, and controlling the Audi virtual cockpit.

Drivers and passengers will like the new R8 bucket or sports seats, which are finished in leather and Alcantara. In front of the passenger seat, a badge with the RWD symbol sparkles.