GRR

R8 RWS is the RWD driver's R8 we've always hoped for

12th September 2017
erin_baker_headshot.jpg Erin Baker

The rear-wheel drive Audi R8 V10 is a welcome and long overdue arrival, and we can only hope it changes the views of some sports-car purists about the lack of passion the R8 evokes – whatever else you might say, having a naturally aspirated V10 engine on board is still one of life’s great pleasures.

audi-r8-v10-rws003.jpg
audi-r8-v10-rws004.jpg
audi-r8-v10-rws002.jpg

Audi introduced the R8 Rear Wheel Series (RWS) today. Only 999 examples of the R8 V10 RWS will be sold, with Spyder and Coupe derivatives both planned; the coupe is 50kg lighter than the quattro version, the Spyder 40kg lighter, due to the lack of a propshaft, multi-plate clutch and centre diff. Both the chassis and handling have been fine-tuned for the RWS version; the control systems allow controlled drifts of the driver chooses “Dynamic” mode and sets the ESC to “Sport”.

audi-r8-v10-rws001.jpg
audi-r8-v10-rws005.jpg
audi-r8-v10-rws006.jpg

Design changes include a matt black grille and matt black air apertures at the front and rear of the car. The upper sideblade of the coupe is finished in gloss black, the lower blade matches the body colour. The RWS is fitted with black-finished, 19in aluminium wheels with a five-spoke design as standard.

The R8 V10 RWS is available to order on Friday, priced from £110,000.

Stephan Winkelmann, MD of Audi Sport, said, “The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists. With it’s mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets.”

audi-aicon-concept-car_f17_ext_beauty_005_licht_prio_01.jpg
audi-aicon-concept-car_f17_ext_beauty_026_licht_prio_01.jpg
audi-aicon-concept-car_f002_int.jpg

Audi also unveiled its Aicon concept car, a four-door two-plus-two autonomous vision without steering wheel or pedals, but with a range of 434 miles.

Other stars on the Audi stand include the handsome new A8 executive saloon, a fitting rival to the consummate Mercedes S-Class.

  • Audi

  • Frankfurt 2017

  • Frankfurt

  • R8

  • mini_gp_concept_frankfurt_goodwood_05092017_list.jpg

    News

    The Works GP concept previews the ultimate hardcore Mini at Frankfurt

  • bentley_continental_gt_frankfurt_iaa_goodwood_29082017_list.jpg

    News

    This is the all-new 624bhp Bentley Continental GT

  • frankfurt_mercedes_amg_project_one_list_12092017_11.jpg

    News

    Mercedes-AMG Project One – everything you need to know

BOOK NOW

2025 Motorsport tickets now on sale
Video Alt Text