For the purists

The first rear-wheel drive production car ever built by Audi, the stunning R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) has been confirmed for Australian release in a matter of weeks. Following hot on the heels of Audi’s third victory in the Bathurst 12 Hour race a week ago, the rear-wheel drive supercar, which has been designed specifically with performance purists in mind, will arrive Down Under in April and be offered with a starting price under $300,000.

A star at last year’s Frankfurst International Motor Show, the R8 RWS will be a strictly limited edition model, with only 999 cars built internationally, further adding to the car’s obvious appeal.

“The Audi R8 RWS is such an exciting car for us because it’s the very first rear-wheel-drive production car ever built by Audi,” says  Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

“As a brand famous for quattro, or all-wheel-drive, this was a huge but exciting move for our brand in once again demonstrating our Vorsprung, or progressiveness, to consumers. It’s hard to imagine any sportscar-loving owner who wouldn’t be motivated by such a modern classic supercar.

“There’s no doubt that we are showing off our Audi Sport credentials in the very best way – offering driving thrills of the highest level, at an incredibly sharp price point, even if that means a brief departure from our famous quattro technology.

“Of course it also traces a direct lineage back to the R8 LMS racecar that took a hard-fought victory at Mount Panorama last weekend, making Audi the most successful marque in the GT3 era of the gruelling event.”

The R8 road car shares 50 percent of components with the R8 LMS, which is rear-wheel drive due to GT3 racing regulations. That DNA is now shared – for the first time – with the exclusive R8 RWS. 

Built using the Audi Space Frame with lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium construction, the R8 RWS makes full use of its low centre of gravity, mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive characteristics. Powered by Audi’s high-revving, 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine, it produces 397kW and 540Nm, and, using a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the R8 RWS accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds (Coupe), on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 320km/h (Coupe).

Individually numbered from 1 to 999, the R8 RWS is offered with 19-inch wheels in high-gloss black, five-spoke V design, with eight-piston fixed-caliper brakes and wave discs on the front wheels and four-piston fixed-caliper brakes with wave discs on the rear. Calipers come in gloss-black and wear the R8 logo, but both larger 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers can be ordered as an option.

The Ibis white paint work is offered as standard and an optional bespoke RWS Audi Sport GT stripe design, gives the R8 RWS has its own distinctive look. It features a dual-branch Audi Sport exhaust system with gloss-black tailpipe trims and a lower side blade each in matching body colour, while the upper side blade is finished in contrasting Mythos black. The Audi Single-frame grille is finished in matt black honeycomb with the Audi Sport badge, while LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are standard, with rear LED lights and dynamic rear indicators. 

Although a pure driving machine in every respect, the R8 RWS lacks nothing in terms of luxury appointment and equipment. Highlights include, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi’s high-tech virtual cockpit with 12.3 inch display, smartphone interface, DAB+ digital radio and Audi music interface with two USB ports and a charging function.

The interior features black Alcantara and leather sports seats that are both heated and electronically controlled, as well as a multi-function, R8 flat-bottom leather steering wheel complete with shift paddles.

The R8 RWS will be available in Australia in limited numbers, arriving in April 2018 with a manufacturer list price of $299,500 (Coupe) and $321,000 (Spyder).