Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD is the newcomer to the R8 family. and it is immediately distinguished by the fact that it delivers 30 hp and 10 Nm more than the normal R8 Coupé and Spyder, which are no longer available with the introduction of this variant. In the Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD, the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine produces 419 kW / 570 hp and 550 Newton meters of pulling power. In this way, the rear-wheel drive R8 snaps from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.7 seconds while the Spyder takes 3.8 sec. The maximum speed of I 329 km/h which drops to 327 km / h for the Spyder version.
The Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD is largely handcrafted at the Audi “Böllinger Höfe” plant in Neckarsulm, which also produces the racing car LMS GT4, from which the RWD version takes about 60% of its components.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A mechanical differential lock distributes the tractive force between the two rear wheels according to the driving situation, so that the R8 RWD offers grip even on wet surfaces. Thanks to the aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) design and the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the R8 V10 Performance RWD weighs only 1,590 kg (the Spyder 1,695 kg).
Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD, top also in the price
The suspension and driving dynamics of the R8 RWD are specifically tuned to its rear-wheel drive character. When Sport mode is activated in the ESC system, the electronics and control systems also allow controlled drifts. Dynamic steering is available for the first time on the rear-wheel drive R8, for even greater precision and feedback.
The ultra-light 19 and 20-inch cast aluminum wheels can be optionally equipped with Cup tires (245/30 R20 front, 305/30 R20 rear) for greater grip and sportiness. To properly control the power of the R8 Performance RWD, the sports car is equipped with an 18-inch high-performance brake system with steel brakes as standard. A 19-inch braking system with ceramic brakes is available on request.
Like the “quattro” upholstery, the new Audi R8 RWD features recognizable performance elements inspired by the GT4 racing car. Examples are the wide, flat and matte black single frame grille with the integrated R8 emblem, large air intakes in the bumper, the front splitter, the rear diffuser layout and the oval tailpipes. The cutout under the hood above the grille is a reference to the legendary Audi Sport quattro. The “R8 performance” design package boasts an interior with black Alcantara leather, contrast stitching in Mercato Blue and decorative inserts in carbon. Inside of the “Monoposto” stands out, the large, strongly shaped arch that crosses the area in front of the driver’s seat and strongly resembles the cockpit of a racing car. The “Monoposto” encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen, integrated in an independent casing.
The new Audi can be ordered from 21 October in ten color variants. One of these is Ascari Blue Metallic, a color that was previously only available for the R8 V10 performance quattro. Pending the prices for Italy, the house of the four rings has announced those for the German market, which see the base price of the Coupé at 149,000 euros, while the Spyder starts at 162,000 euros.