Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD develops 570 hp

Even more power and even more driving pleasure: this is the true meaning of the word “performance” for Audi Sport GmbH. The new Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD, available in Coupe or Spyder versions with an additional 30 hp, is a sporty addition to the R8 V10 Performance quattro. With a 419 kW (570 hp) mid-mounted engine and new technical features such as bucket seats, dynamic steering, carbon fiber stabilizers and ceramic disc brakes, this rear-wheel drive sports car is the epitome of driving pleasure.

Audi R8 V10 performance rear wheel drive

The Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) is a new sporty version of Audi's production sports car with rear wheel drive.

“The Audi R8 V10 RWD has captured customer interest from the outset with its rear-wheel drive, inherited from the R8 LMS racing car, and its unbridled driving dynamics. The model now has a power of 30 hp. and 10 Newton meters more, which takes the driving experience to a whole new level,” says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

The base R8 V10 quattro and R8 V10 RWD Coupe and Spyder variants will now be replaced by new high performance versions. As a result, the R8 range is even more clearly at the forefront of this vehicle type.

Maximum speed: 329 km/h

This mid-engined sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder version) and has a top speed of 329 km/h (327 km/h for the Spyder version). The jewel in the crown of the new R8 is the famous 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine with unrivaled sound, lightning-fast response and incredible agility. In the R8 V10 RWD version, it has an output of 419 kW (570 hp).

The drive delivers a maximum torque of 550 Nm – 10 Nm more than in the Audi R8 V10 RWD, which is distributed to the rear wheels by a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. The purely mechanical limited-slip differential distributes the torque perfectly according to the driving situation, ensuring excellent traction even on wet roads. Like all R8 models, the body is made of aluminum based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, while large parts are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The R8 V10 Performance RWD weighs just 1590kg in Coupe version and 1695kg in Spyder version.

Controlled drift capability

Suspension and driving dynamics have been tuned specifically for rear-wheel drive. When the electronic stability control (ESC) system is in sport mode, the suspension and safety systems provide controlled skidding. The electromechanical power steering provides good interaction with the road surface. Dynamic steering, available for the first time on a rear-wheel drive R8, provides even more precise response and feedback. This makes driving more dynamic and steering more precise, for example on winding roads or in corners.

It also improves driving comfort by making it easier to control, for example when parking or manoeuvring. The RWD sports suspension is specially designed for rear-wheel drive, with double wishbones and a passive differential lock. Extremely lightweight 19" and 20" cast aluminum wheels provide precise handling and control when cornering at high speeds. Optional Cup wheels are available in 245/30 R20 front and 305/30 R20 rear for extra grip and dynamics. High-performance 18" wave-patterned steel brake discs and optional 19" ceramic discs deliver confident stopping power.

Design details of the Audi R8 V10 Performance quattro

The sporty style of the model is inspired by the GT4 version. Its most distinctive elements include a wide, flat singleframe grille in matte black with R8 badging, large side air intakes, a front splitter and rear grille, and oval tailpipes. The opening under the hood echoes the design of the legendary Audi Sport quattro. The new R8 is available in ten color options. One of them is Ascari Blue Metallic, a color previously only available for the R8 V10 Performance quattro. The R8 Performance styling package boasts black Alcantara leather interior, Mercato Blue contrast stitching and carbon fiber inlays.

Feeling like you're sitting in a race car

The tightly drawn styling lines also set the tone for the car's interior. The most striking feature is the "monoposto" - a large, strongly defined arc that stretches in front of the driver's seat and strongly resembles the cockpit of a racing car. The Monoposto has a built-in Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch screen. The R8 Multifunction plus leather steering wheel has two or, in the Performance version, four buttons: for selecting the Audi drive, for starting the engine, for activating performance mode and engine sound, and for controlling the Audi virtual cockpit. Driver and passengers can enjoy the ride in the new R8 bucket or leather and Alcantara sports seats. In front of the passenger seat, the icon with the RWD emblem flickers.

Mainly handicraft production

The Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD is assembled - mostly by hand - at the Böllinger Höfe plant in Neckarsulm, Germany. It also produces the LMS GT4 racing car, which is derived from the production model and uses about 60 percent of the same components.

The rear-wheel drive Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD will be available for order at dealerships at the end of October.

Photo: Audi