Rear-wheel driven R8 permanently reinstated in Audi's range

The unique Audi R8 Rear Wheel Series struck a chord with supercar traditionalists during its limited production run in 2018, and now the concept is to be permanently reinstated in the range with a new look and a new name.

The Audi R8 V10 RWD features the much loved naturally-aspirated V10, and uses the latest generation Audi R8 as its basis. It combines all that model's well documented attributes with rear-drive handling characteristics delivered by a mechanical rear differential and an intelligent stabilisation control system that allows controlled drifting for drivers who occasionally have a circuit to hand.

The heart of the Audi R8 V10 RWD high-performance sports car sits behind the passenger cell.

The naturally aspirated V10 delivers lightning-fast response and immense torque to the tune of an incomparable soundtrack. The 5.2-litre FSI delivers 532bhp, and at 6,500rpm achieves a peak torque of 540Nm that is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and a mechanical locking differential.

The R8 V10 RWD Coupe catapults from zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, and powers on to a 319km/h maximum speed, while the same values for the Spyder are 3.8 seconds and 317km/h.

The rear-wheel drive of the R8 V10 RWD provides a very special kind of driving pleasure. If sport mode is activated via the Audi Drive Select, the suspension setup and control system will now allow for controlled drifting, while the power steering also now provides the driver with enhanced levels of feedback of the contours of the road.

The Audi R8 V10 RWD rides as standard on black 19-inch forged wheels with 245/35 tyres up front and 295/35 tyres at the rear. Upgrades to 20-inch wheels are also available.

The Coupe now weighs just 1,595kg, thanks in part to the omission of the drive shaft, the quattro multi-plate clutches and front axle differential, which helps to make the R8 V10 RWD around 65kg lighter than the R8 V10 quattro model. Weighing 1,695kg, the R8 Spyder V10 RWD is 55 kg lighter than the R8 Spyder V10 quattro. Like all R8 models, it features an Audi Space Frame body made of aluminium but also incorporates significant carbon fibre-reinforced polymer content.

The sideblades of the R8 V10 RWD hint at the model's special status: The top blade is designed in glossy mythos black, while the bottom blade is painted in the colour of the vehicle. Inside, the driver and passenger sit in sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara, while ahead of the passenger a RWD logo also denotes this model's special status.

The R8 V10 RWD is produced, largely by hand, at the Bollinger Hofe production facility at the Audi location in Neckarsulm.