Dubai, March 13, 2018 – The Audi Sport GmbH is extending its R8 model series to include a new derivative with rear-wheel drive. The Audi R8 V10 RWS will arrive in the Middle East during April 2018 as a limited series of 999 units in both Coupé and Spyder variants.
“The Audi R8 V10 RWS successfully brings the drive concept of our R8 LMS GT4 racing car onto the road,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH. “The V10 engine is not just one of the last naturally aspirated engines in its segment, it is also used in racing with an almost identical construction to the mass-production model.
We have only made minimal adjustments to comply with regulations.”
Matt black design elements, optional films
The purist character of the new R8 variant is underscored by the matt black grille of the Singleframe and the matt black air apertures at the front and rear of the car. The upper sideblade (of the Coupé) is finished in gloss black, the lower blade in the body colour. Similar to the R8 LMS GT 4, the Coupé is available with an optional red film running over the hood, roof and rear end. Inside, the driver and passenger sit in sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara. Bucket seats are available as an option. The dashboard bears an emblem “1 of 999,” indicating the limited number of units.
5.2 FSI engine – one of the last naturally aspirated engines in its segment
The mid-mounted V10 engine of the Audi R8 V10 RWS produces 397 kW (540 hp). It delivers its peak torque of 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The 5.2 FSI engine accelerates the Coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (Spyder: 3.8 seconds) and beyond to a top speed of 320 km/h (Spyder: 318 km/h ). With the top closed, average fuel consumption of the R8 V10 RWS is 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres, corresponding to 283 grams CO2 per kilometre. With the top open, these figures are 12.6 litres and 286 grams CO2 per kilometre.
Specially tuned chassis setup allows controlled drifts
The Coupé weighs 1,509 kilograms (without driver). 50 kilograms less than the R8 Coupé with all-wheel drive which needs additional components like propshaft, multi-plate clutch and centre differential. The Spyder is 40 kilograms lighter than the R8 Spyder V10, weighing in at 1,680 kilograms (without driver). The axle load distribution of 40.6:59.4 (Coupé) and 40.4:59.6 (Spyder) together with chassis and handling tuning specially adapted for rear-wheel drive provide for incredibly fun driving.
The chassis setup and control systems allow controlled drifts if the driver chooses “dynamic” mode in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and sets the Stabilization Control ESC to “Sport”. The ESC intervenes reliably at the limit. The electromechanical power steering is completely free of torque steer and enables precise handling. The Audi R8 V10 RWS rolls standard on black-finished, 19-inch, cast aluminium wheels in a five-spoke V-design, with 245/35 tires up front and 295/35 at the rear.
The R8 RWS will come to the Middle East Market beginning of April 2018.
Starting prices* for the Middle East markets in local currencies:
R8 Coupe RWS V10 FSI S tronic (540 hp):
- Bahrain: 50,300 BHD
• Kuwait: 40,690 KWD
• Oman: 51,500 OMR
• Qatar: 485,600 QAR
• UAE: 514,500 AED
R8 Spyder RWS V10 FSI S tronic (540 hp):
- Bahrain: 56,450 BHD
• Kuwait: 45,670 KWD
• Oman: 57,800 OMR
• Qatar: 545,100 QAR
• UAE: 577,500 AED