By Staff Reporter

In a world where car manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make their cars have more power and post the best from 0-100 km/h times, Audi Sport decides to offer its refreshed Audi R8 V10 with an optional RWD for its Coupe and Spyder. This is not the first RWD R8, in 2018 Audi Sport launched its first rear-wheel-driven R8 called the Audi R8 RWS and only built 999 units.

Looks

The Audi R8 V10 RWD looks similar to its recently refreshed Quattro sibling but there are a few distinct features to the exterior and interior which differentiates one from the other. Starting at the rear, the R8 V10 RWD’s large oval exhaust tips sit noticeably higher-up than on the R8 Quattro. The front blade, the side sill inserts, and the diffuser are painted in gloss black as standard. The carbon styling packing is available as an optional extra and, for the Spyder, an extended black styling package is available as an alternative. Another optional extra is the blacked-out Audi logo.

A new colour called Kemora Grey has been added. Inside, the R8 V10 RWD is covered with leather and alcantara and comes fitted with a “RWD” badge on the dashboard just in case you forget that you are not piloting a Quattro R8.

Performance

Powering the Audi R8 V10 RWD is a naturally aspirated 5.2L FSI V10 engine producing 397 kW and 540 Nm of torque. The seven-speed S tronic and a mechanical locking differential helps the Coupe sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and the Spyder will do the same in 3.8 seconds. The Coupe will run out of steam after hitting 320 km/h and the Spyder after 318 km/h.

With much of the weight from Quattro components thrown out, the Coupe now weighs 1,595 kg (65kg lighter) whereas the Spyder weighs 1,695 kg (55kg lighter). The benefit of having a RWD R8 is not only having less weight or the ability to slide around a racetrack. Additionally, the asking price will be lesser than that of the Quattro.

Local pricing and is yet to be confirmed.