It weighs in at 1570kg, is powered by a 5.2-litre normally-aspirated V10 powerplant and delivers 456kW and 565Nm of torque between 6400 and 7000rpm. Its new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends all that power down to the rear wheels and a new seven-level Torque Rear controller allows the driver to input the amount of oversteer for a car that boasts the best of Audi Sport’s vast performance experience.

It is the Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD – the second generation of the brand’s R8 GT supercar that was first unleashed on the world back in 2010. With its 456kW and 565Nm of torque, it is not only 37kW and 106Nm more powerful than its predecessor, but is the most powerful rear-wheel drive vehicle that Audi has ever produced. It will also be offered in strictly limited numbers with just 333 numbered cars offered worldwide.

Weighing in 20kg lighter than its predecessor, the new R8 GT RWD hits 100km/h from standstill in 3.4 seconds and 200km/h in just 10.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 320km/h. Add to that the balance afforded by its mid-mounted V10 powerplant and the addition of the new Torque Rear mode and you have a vehicle that builds on the R8’s performance legacy.

It is a fitting tribute not only to the original GT model but to the brand’s celebrated normally-aspirated V10 that this model should mark the end of that superb powerplant.

In addition to the reworked V10, the R8 GT also features a ceramic braking system as standard equipment and rides on forged 20-inch rims which can be ordered with high-performance Michelin Sport Cup 2 rubber. The car utilises performance sports suspension with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) anti-roll bar, which, together with the two coupling rod connections made of anodised aluminium, reduce weight and increases road-holding and cornering dynamics. Customers will also be able to option the coilover suspension, which allows the driver to individually adjust the trim position and the compression and rebound levels for your R8 GT – on delivery, R8 GT customers receive adjustment instructions as well as the tools needed to do the job.  

Just three body colours will be offered – Suzuka Grey, Tangorot Metallic and Daytona Grey Metallic –  and blacked out badging and the R8 GT badging on the rear are subtle additions to the body. But it is the new carbon aero kit finished in high gloss, which was developed in the wind tunnel, which not only generates greater stability on the road but also differentiates the model visually from other R8 variants. 

The distinctive kit is made up of a front splitter, flics, side skirt covers, cW-elements on the sides of the rear bumper, a diffuser, and a rear wing with gooseneck suspension. The latter insert ensures optimum wing underflow which improves aerodynamic efficiency as well as adding to the overall ‘businesslike’ look of the new car.

Inside too, the motorsport heritage and homage to the original GT model is evident with the black and red trim combination on the R8 sports bucket seats which includes the red belts – like those originally only available in the original R8 GT. The floor mats and the R8 bucket seats are also stitched with the model name in black and red and customers can find the sequential numbering of their particular car in the middle of the selector lever, partially matted in the carbon inlay. 

It’s a fitting farewell to the V10 engine in a car that rightfully sits atop the brand’s performance offering – for now.

Australian customers can expect the arrival of the new all-electric RS e-tron GT in the next few months which will herald in a new high-performance era for Australia, while other plans are well advanced at Audi Sport for new models to carry on the brand’s proud performance tradition well into the future.