Audi R8 Nixes All-Wheel Drive for Limited-Edition Rear-Wheel V10 RWS

Audi has added a new limited-edition variant to the R8: the rear-wheel drive Audi R8 V10 RWS that is available in both Coupe and Spyder variants and a limited run of just 999 units.

The Audi R8 V10 RWS can be differentiated from other R8 variants by its matte black grille and the matte black air apertures on the front and rear of the car, the gloss black finish on the upper sideblade (of the Coupe) with the lower side blade in the body color. The Coupe version can also be had with an optional red film running over the hood, roof and rear end.

Inside, the R8 V10 RWS has sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara, with bucket seats available as an option, while the dashboard has a "1 of 999" badge indicating the limited number of units.

The mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 engine of the Audi R8 V10 RWS puts out 540 hp and 540 Nm of torque, with a zero to 100 kph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds (3.8 seconds for the Spyder) before reaching a top speed of 320 kph (318 kph for the Spyder).

Since the R8 V10 RWS is rear-wheel drive, it only weighs 1,590 kilograms--50 kg less than all-wheel drive R8 Coupe--with the deletion of propshaft, multi-plate clutch, and center differential while the Spyder version is 40 kg lighter than the R8 Spyder V10.

The R8 V10 RWS can easily kick its tail out if the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system is set to "Dynamic" mode and if the Electronic Stabilization Control is set to "Sport," with the latter intervening at the limit. Steering is through an electromechanical system that's supposedly free of torque steer and enables precise handling.

The R8 V10 RWS is equipped with black-finished, 19-inch cast aluminum wheels in a five-spoke V-design, with 245/35 tires up front and 295/35 at the rear.

[gallery size="vw_two_third_thumbnail_no_crop" columns="2" ids="22958,22959">

"The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. "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."

Orders for the Audi R8 V10 RWS will be accepted later this year with delivery of the first units starting in early 2018, with prices starting at €140,000 (P8.53 million) for the Coupe and €153,000(P9.32 million)  for the Spyder.