Audi has revealed the first ever rear-wheel driven R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Christened as the R8 V10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series), it is the first series production Audi with rear wheel-drive made available as a limited edition. It will be limited to only 999 units.
Commenting on the R8 RWS, Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH, says, "With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it (R8 V10 RWS) successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets." It weighs 50 kilograms less than the R8 Coupé V10.
Sending power to the rear wheels is the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 belting out 540bhp and 540Nm. The coup is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100kmph in mere 3.7seconds while the Spyder can sprint in around 3.8seconds. The supercar can go all the way to hit a top speed of 320 km/h
What sets the RWS R8 apart from the normal crop of R8 are the gloss-black 19-inch wheels, a matte black grille and matt black front and rear air vents. An Audi Sport decal comes as optional fitment. The sport bucket seats can be had as well, while the Alcantara ones come as standard.
According to Audi, the chassis setup and control systems of the RWS allows for controlled drifts. The driver will need to select “dynamic” mode in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and set the Stabilization Control ESC to “Sport”. The ESC only intervenes to a certain limit. While the electromechanical power steering is completely free of torque steer for a precise handling.
The Audi R8 V10 RWS will be available for order in Germany and other European countries later this year. The first units will hit the streets only in early 2018. The Coupé is priced at 140,000 Euros, while the Spyder can be had for 153,000 euros.
