It’s another sad day for enthusiasts, as Audi has announced that their latest R8 V10 performance RWD will be the last high-performance rear-wheel drive flagship that will enter production.
Before fully jumping into the new age with their e-Tron lineup, Audi is providing us with one last hurrah by producing possibly the very last RWD R8 model that will ever roll off the factory floor.
Still quick in this day and age
Despite being a model that has existed since the early 2000s, the R8 has remained competitive against its rivals. The mid-engine sports car can catapult itself from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 329 km/h.
At the heart of the new R8 is the same familiar naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine, known for its incomparable sound, lightning-fast response, and immense accelerating power. In the R8 V10 performance, the engine delivers 570 bhp and 550 Nm of healthy torque, which is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox.
A mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) is also on hand to distribute available drive torque to match any driving situation, ensuring that the car has optimum traction even in tricky conditions. Like all previous generation R8s, the body will be built out of aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This translates to the Coupé version of the R8 V10 performance weighing just 1 590 kilograms.
Yes, of course you can drift in this
The suspension and driving dynamics of the new R8 are specially adapted to suit its rear-wheel drive nature. When Sport mode is activated, the suspension setup and control systems allow drivers to have some controlled fun in the corners. The sports suspension features double wishbones and a passive differential lock, and the R8 has an axle load distribution of 40:60 front to rear.
The dynamic steering system, available for the first time for the rear-wheel-drive R8 variant according to Audi, offers more precision and feedback when driving. It enhances driving dynamics by providing the driver with different setups for different situations. On a windy b-road, the car would provide a more direct steering feel. Conversely, in situations like parking, the steering effort would be reduced, enhancing driving comfort.
Even though they are 20-inch in diameter, these new cast aluminium wheels ensure that the R8 handles precisely during fast cornering. Proper cup tyres with 245/30 R20 up front and 305/30 R20 at the rear are offered as standard, giving drivers even more confidence to take the corners with more speed.
Familiar design language
The sporty, aggressive outlook takes inspiration from the R8’s GT4 siblings. These include a wide and flat Singleframe radiator grille in matte black, front splitter, rear air outlet grill, and oval tailpipes. The air slit under the front hood is a design homage to the legendary Audi Sport Quattro.
Customers will get to choose from 10 available colors for their new R8, which also includes Ascari Blue Metallic, a color previously reserved for the R8 V10 performance Quattro.
Race car interior
The sleek angular design language also carries on to the interior. As the driver, you would be enveloped in what Audi calls the “monoposto” – essentially a large, sharply contoured arch cockpit that covers the driver’s seat, creating the atmosphere of a race car cockpit. The “monoposto” also houses a new 12.3-inch display.
Both driver and passenger will enjoy the comforts and back aches of newly available R8 bucket or sport seats. In case your passenger needs a reminder this is a special car, a plaque with the words RWD is emblazoned in front of the passenger seat.
Availability
The Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance RWD will be available at the Audi Centre Singapore, with pricing starting from a cool SGD$771,036. The price indicated are inclusive of VES rebates and COE, and are only accurate at the time of writing.
Should you wish to find out the latest pricing, please visit Audi Singapore to learn more.