Presenting the new R8 V10 RWS

Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH commented, “The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists. A limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer. With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets.”

Stunning Design Elements

The singular nature of the new R8 variant is accentuated by the matt black grille of the Singleframe and the matt black air apertures at the front and back aspects of the car. The upper sideblade (of the Coupé) is finished in gloss black, the lower blade in the body colour.

Like to the R8 LMS GT 4, the Coupé can come with an optional red film running over the bonnet, roof and rear end. Inside, the sport seats are covered in leather and Alcantara and the dash bears an emblem “1 of 999,” marking the limited number of units created.

Naturally Aspirated Engines

The V10 engine of the Audi R8 V10 RWS is mid-mounted and produces 540PS delivering peak torque of 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. The 5.2 FSI engine powers the Coupé from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds (Spyder: 3.8 seconds) and beyond to a top speed of 198mph (Spyder: 197mph).

With the top down, combined fuel economy in the R8 V10 RWS amounts to 22.7mpg, corresponding to 283 grams CO2 per kilometre. With the top up, these stats are 22.4mpg and 286 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Specially Tuned Chassis

The Coupé weighs 1,590 kilograms which is 50 kilograms (110.2 lb) less than the R8 Coupé with all-wheel drive which needs additional components like propshaft, multi-plate clutch and centre differential. The Spyder is 40 kilograms lighter than the R8 Spyder V10, weighing in at 1,680 kilograms. The axle load distribution of 40.6:59.4 (Coupé) and 40.4:59.6 (Spyder) together with chassis and handling tuning specially adapted for rear-wheel drive provide for particularly exhilarating driving.

If the driver chooses “dynamic” mode in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and sets the Stabilisation Control ESC to “Sport” the chassis setup and control systems allow controlled drifts. The ESC intervenes reliably at the limit. The electromechanical power steering is free of torque steer and allows the driver precise handling. The Audi R8 V10 RWS comes standard with black-finished, 19-inch, cast aluminium wheels in a five-spoke V-design, with 245/35 tyres up front and 295/35 at the rear.