Audi has unveiled a new ‘entry point’ into its drool-inducing R8 line-up – the R8 V10 performance RWD.
And with a wealth of new luxury and performance upgrades, the German manufacturer says it’s the ‘ultimate everyday supercar’.
The V10 Performance RWD will sit behind all-wheel-drive Quattro models as well as swankier ‘Edition’ versions of the R8. And it will do so in both the Coupe and the drop-top Spyder ranges.
But make no mistakes, it’s a car that’s still at the cutting edge of design.
Compared to the previous base model, the R8 V10 Performance RWD gets an extra 30 PS of power and 10 Nm more torque, ‘taking the driving experience to a whole new level’, says Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
It’ll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 204 mph.
And doing all of that damage is a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 FSI motor with ‘unparalleled sound, lightning-fast reaction and incredible liveliness’, according to Audi.
In the R8 V10 performance, the engine has an output of 570 PS and delivers up to 550 Nm of torque, which it distributes to its rear wheels with its seven-gear S tronic gearbox.
A mechanical limited slip differential distributes the torque based on the driving situation, giving optimum traction even when the roads are wet.
As with all R8s, the body is built of aluminium using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, with large parts made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The Coupé version of the R8 V10 performance RWD thus weighs a mere 1,590kg, with the Spyder version weighing in at 1,695kg.
If you like to go sideways around a racetrack, rest assured that controlled drifts are possible when you activate Sport Mode. Dynamic steering is also available for the first time for the rear-wheel drive R8, making things easier when you’re either moving at pace or trying to slot into a narrow parking spot.
The RWD sport suspension is adapted specifically for rear-wheel drive, has double wishbones and a passive differential lock. Meanwhile an 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design provides the necessary deceleration.
Design wise, the R8 is inspired by the Audi GT4 race car. You’ll see that influence in the flat singleframe radiator grille, the front splitter and rear air outlet grid as well as with the oval tailpipes. The slit under the front hood is also reminiscent of the legendary Audi Sport quattro.
Meanwhile the interior mirrors that of a racecar cockpit, too. The “Monoposto” dash encloses the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch touchscreen while R8 leather bucket seats are also available.
An Audi spokesperson adds:
“The arrival of the R8 V10 performance RWD marks a new entry point to the Audi UK line-up. As standard, the newcomer comes fitted with a wealth of new luxury and performance features that cements the model’s position as the ultimate everyday supercar.
“The generous specification includes 19-inch twin-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in matt titanium, a gloss black styling pack, R8 sports seats with fine Nappa leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, Audi phone Box with wireless charging and the famous sideblades finished in bodycolour.”
The Audi R8 V10 performance RWD can be ordered from October 21 with prices starting from £126,885.
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