New R8 variant stars at Frankfurt

The benefits of Audi’s revolutionary quattro all-wheel drive are well known, but in certain applications, a rear-wheel drive vehicle – particularly a performance vehicle – takes on a different dynamic.  For that reason, motoring purists have every reason to be excited with the unveiling at Frankfurt International Motor Show of a limited edition Audi R8 with rear-wheel drive. 

Bringing the driving concept of the hugely successful Audi R8 LMS race car to the road, the R8 V10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series), offers the extraordinary driving experience to a limited number of owners, with only 999 of these special R8s planned for production. 

“The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists,” says Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH.
“A limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer. With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets.”

Weighing in at 50kg less than the R8 Coupé V10, the R8 V10 RWS will be limited to the aforementioned 999 units with both Coupé and Spyder variants, hand made at the Böllinger Höfe R8 factory. 

 The mid-mounted V10 engine of the Audi R8 V10 RWS produces 397kW and delivers its peak torque of 540Nm at 6500rpm. The 5.2 FSI engine takes the Coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (Spyder: 3.8 seconds) and then on to a top speed of 320km/h with the Spyder reaching 318km/h. With the top closed, average fuel consumption of the R8 V10 RWS is 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres. 

The 50 kilogram weight saving is as a result of less components required than with quattro all-wheel drive. The axle load distribution of 40.6:59.4 (Coupé) and 40.4:59.6 (Spyder) together with chassis and handling tuning specially adapted for rear-wheel drive provide for incredibly spirited driving.

The chassis setup and control systems allow controlled drifts if the driver chooses ‘dynamic’ mode in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and sets the Stabilisation Control ESC to ‘Sport’. The ESC intervenes at the limit and the electromechanical power steering is completely free of torque steer and enables precise handling. The Audi R8 V10 RWS rolls standard on black-finished, 19-inch, cast aluminium wheels in a five-spoke V-design, with 245/35 tyres up front and 295/35 at the rear, providing massive grip for the massive power to the road surface.

The puristic character of the new R8 variant is underscored by the matt black grille of the Singleframe and the matt black air apertures at the front and rear of the car. The upper sideblade (of the Coupé) is finished in gloss black, the lower blade in the body colour. Similar to the R8 LMS GT 4, the Coupé is available with an optional red film running over the bonnet, roof and rear end. Inside, the driver and passenger sit in sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara. Bucket seats are available as an option and the dashboard bears an emblem ‘1 of 999’, indicating the limited number of units. 

A huge attraction at its unveiling, the R8 V10 RWS will have no shortage of fans and customers looking to take delivery of this very special vehicle when the striclty limited run becomes available for sale.

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