Latest R8 RWD is Audi's Sharper V10 Supercar Sans Quattro

The apex Audi

Audi’s R8 has been the supercar that revolutionized the German brand's image over a decade ago. It showed that Audi could build something which could compete with the very best Italian, British, American and German sportscar brands with looks to match. The R8 has been an enormous status vehicle for Audi and improved its brand image terrifically. 

Mid-engined balance

To fully exploit the outstanding balance of Audi’s R8, which is mid-engined, a rear-wheel-drive configuration would allow skilled rivers to truly revel in its abilities. Quattro all-wheel-drive has always been an anchor of Audi’s automotive design and it has made the R8 more controllable to drive on the limit, for modestly skilled drivers. And that is a good thing. But for those who have the skill, Audi will now offer is R8 without any drive to the front wheels. 

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

An Audi without the Quattro bits

This new R8 rear-wheel-drive derivative has a range of benefits. Without the additional differential of half shafts, it is lighter than a quattro configured R8. The difference? A not insignificant 143 pounds. Without the drivetrain weight of a quattro system, the throttle system should be a nanosecond truer too, with all the output power and torque from that glorious NA V10, which sits midship driving straight to the rear wheels, which are nearer.   

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

Slightly less potent than an R8 Quattro

Mitigating the lower mass is a slight reduction in power. The 5.2-liter V10 powering Audi’s rear-wheel-drive R8, is slightly less potent, than what you’d encounter in the regular R8 V10 quattro. This new rear-wheel-drive R8 variant produces 532 hp, which is 30 hp less than the Quattro version. The one thing which does not change is the wonderfully linear throttle response. In a sportscar market where turbocharged engines now dominate, the Audi R8 retains its fabled appeal, due to an atmospheric V10, which thrives on late shifts and throttle commitment.  

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

A true mid-engined driver's car

Don’t for a moment think that this new rear-wheel-drive R8 is slow. It still has all the pace you’d expect from a V10 supercar and will run a true top speed of 199 mph. But the undiluted driver appeal of this new Audi R8 is in its steering responses. Without the front-wheels delivering any power, there is the promise of crisper steering, with improved feel. And for those truly brave R8 drivers, the rear-wheel-drive version will be more than capable of wild powerslides, if you are at a track day, and conditions allow. 

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

Supercars always need a touch of red

With this new rear-wheel-drive R8, Audi has remained true to its established reputation with outstanding interior design. Ergonomics are perfect, which is crucial, considering the performance and oversteer the rear-wheel-drive R8 is capable of. Materials are quality, throughout, and the red contrast cabin detailing adds that touch of the dramatic, to the rear-wheel-drive R8’s driving environment.   

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

There's a Spyder option too

If you’d like your rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 thrills without a roof, there is the beloved Spyder option. Audi’s soft-top R8 becomes 121lb lighter now and with the roof down you'll become the audience to that awesome V10. That 5.2-liter will effortlessly rev up to a crazy but amazing 8700 rpm. 

>>Join the conversation about the RWD R8 without quattro right here in Audiworld.com.

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