Audi is sharpening its R8 model family: The new R8 V10 Performance RWD comes with increased performance as a Coupé and Spyder. The base versions will no longer be offered.
Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé and Spyder.
Audi
Audi is replacing the base R8 V10 quattro and R8 V10 RWD coupe and Spyder versions with the new performance models. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body is made of aluminum and to a large extent from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). The Coupé weighs 1590 kg, the Spyder version 1695 kg. The design is based on the GT4 models and includes a matte black single-frame radiator grille, front splitter and large air intakes at the front and the air outlet grille at the rear, as well as oval tailpipes. The interior features new R8 bucket or sports seats behind the "monoposto" with 12.3" large "Audi virtual cockpit."
The mid-engine sports car is powered by the familiar 5.2-l V10 gasoline engine. In the rear-wheel drive version, the FSI engine produces 419 kW (570 PS), with maximum torque at 550 Nm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 7-speed S tronic transmission. A mechanical limited-slip differential distributes the drive torque to suit the driving situation. The performance model reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.7 s (Spyder 3.8 s) and has a maximum speed of 329 km/h (327 km/h for the Spyder).
Active steering for the Audi R8 Performance RWD
The sports suspension with double wishbones and a passive differential lock has been specially tuned to the rear-wheel drive. The axle load distribution is 40 : 60, and the suspension and driving dynamics tuning allows controlled drifts in sport mode. Dynamic steering is also available for the first time for the rear-wheel-drive R8. The alloy wheels are 19" or 20" in size. Braking is provided by an 18" high-performance steel brake system in wave design or optionally by a 19" high-performance ceramic brake system.
The R8 V10 Performance RWD is largely hand-built in the "Böllinger Höfe" factory at Audi’s Neckarsulm (Germany) site. The LMS GT4 race car, which is directly derived from the production model with around 60 percent identical parts, is also manufactured there.