Audi is replacing the rear-wheel drive R8 V10 RWD with a strong Performance version with an additional 30 hp, or 570 hp at the rear wheels. This starts at 160,250 €. The basic quattro models disappeared from the catalog, which therefore only included R8 Performance models.
Audi recently revised the range of its R8. The V10-powered super sports car, the second and current generation of which has been on the market since 2015, was restyled at the end of 2018 and is now heading for retirement. It will be the last of its kind and will only be replaced indirectly by a 100% electric model. The R8 offer becomes more exclusive with the disappearance of the “base” quattro models and the arrival of V10 Performance RWD propulsion variants to replace the V10 RWD versions. They benefit from a few additional horsepower under the rear hood.
The R8 of the “die-hards”
In coupe as in Spyder, The R8 V10 Performance RWD draws 570 hp from its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter ten-cylinder. That’s 30 hp more than the R8 V10 RWD it replaces, as much as the recently withdrawn R8 V10 quattro, and 50 hp less than the R8 V10 Performance quattro. Its maximum torque is 550 Nm, 10 Nm more than before to match, again, the late V10 quattro standard. The engine is still mated to a seven-speed Stronic dual-clutch gearbox. Despite the abandonment of two-wheel drive, the new RWD weighs only 5 kg less than the Performance quattro model, with 1,665 kg claimed empty for the newcomer. It nevertheless benefits from a rear differential with mechanical locking giving it a more playful behavior.
Against the clock, Audi announces 3.7 s to go from 0 to 100 km / h in coupe, 0.6 s more than its four-wheel drive alternative. Performance equal to that of the previous R8 V10 RWD, however less powerful. The manufacturer with the rings also claims a top speed of 329 km / h for its latest in closed body.
160,250 € minimum for the R8 RWD
The R8 V10 Performance RWD benefits from certain equipment as standard, such as carbon-ceramic brake discs and variable power steering. Externally, it differs from the quattro model with its body-colored side air intakes. It starts at € 160,250, which represents more than € 10,000 increase over the previous RWD. Before definitively bowing out, the Audi R8 could be available in a particularly muscular version according to persistent noise from the hallway.
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Audi R8 prices (December 2021)
| Price in euros | Cut | Spyder |
| V10 Performance RWD 570 hp | 160 250 | 174,650 |
| V10 Performance quattro 620 hp | 226 130 | 240,530 |
