The few mechanical modifications made for this rear-wheel-drive car don’t lessen the exhilaration that comes with a R8. The star of the show is Audi’s 5.2-liter V10, which has a predictable linear power delivery that makes you want to rev the bejesus out of it in order to extract every last bit of grunt. Bonus points to anyone who purchases a R8 Spyder; remove the top, seize the throttle, and savor its sonorous melody. This naturally aspirated V10 also sounds pretty amazing.
Although there is a slight power difference between the R8 RWD and the Quattro version, it is not significant. With rear-drive, the V10 generates 562 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, which is 40 hp and 7 lb-ft less than the R8 Quattro. RWD R8s are 0.4 seconds slower than their all-wheel-drive counterparts in the crucial 0-to-60 mph race. By the way, none of this matters in the real world; anyone who claims they can truly feel the extra 40 horsepower or the difference in acceleration time of less than 0.5 seconds in a vehicle like this on public roads is a liar with their trousers on fire.
The V10’s power is managed by Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been somewhat altered for RWD use. The R8 Quattro’s 205 mph top speed requires all seven gears, whereas the rear-drive R8’s 201 mph v-max is reached in sixth with seventh acting as an overdrive. The RWD version of the R8 is a little more fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined gains of 1, 4, and 2, respectively. And hey, if you even remotely give a hoot about fuel efficiency in a car like the R8, you’ll be delighted to learn.
Due to the removal of the front differential, prop shaft, and multi-plate clutch, the R8 RWD weighs 67 pounds less than the Quattro. The RWD car also has a firmer front anti-roll bar, a solid rear axle (as opposed to the hollow design of the Quattro), and higher negative camber in the rear wheels. Both the R8 Coupe and Spyder are affected by these modifications, with the latter adding 97 pounds to its weight because of its electronic roof mechanism. Speaking of which, you can drop the top on your R8 at speeds of up to 31 mph and the entire process only takes 20 seconds.
The RWD R8 rides as comfortably as the Quattro on the Spanish island’s smooth roads. When you merely need to run errands or go across town, the R8 can quickly calm down and behave like a regular car, which is one of its best qualities. It behaves similarly to an A4 in traffic, but without the aid of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist. However, you do get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit cabin technology, which is still quite good today.
When you take the R8 off the freeway and drive it the way it was intended to be driven, the advantages of the RWD car become obvious. If you enter a bend too quickly, there is absolutely no understeer since the steering is livelier and more tactile. The RWD R8 is now a lot more playfulless like the proverbial scalpel and more of a raucous and enjoyable steerthanks to the lighter chassis and one-way power distribution.
The R8 really shines on the track. The R8 is fairly unflappable as it sprints into curves, even in the challenging circumstances of Circuito Maspalomas. When the stability control is set to sport, you can occasionally create a controlled slide, but if your back tires encounter some sand and things start to get a bit nasty, a short turn of the steering wheel swiftly brings everything back under control.
You must purchase the $12,900 Dynamic Package in order to acquire the RWD R8’s performance equipment, which includes items like ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels, Michelin Cup 2 tires, and single-piece carbon bucket seats. The speed-sensitive variable steering will cost an additional $1,400, and you should absolutely get the $3,600 sport exhaust option because, well, why the hell not?
The fantastic news is that, compared to the Quattro version, the RWD R8 is still a complete steal, even with all these add-ons. With $1,495 for destination and a $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the base price for the rear-drive 2022 R8 is $145,895 for the Coupe and $158,095 for the Spyder. The as-tested price of a RWD Coupe increases to $163,795 when the aforementioned options are added, so you can add the $5,900 Premium Package (which includes an Alcantara headliner and Bang & Olufsen audio system), $3,500 laser light LED headlights, and $5,600 carbon fiber exterior package without exceeding the R8 Quattro’s $200,295 base MSRP (including destination and gas guzzler, natch).
Do yourself a favor and purchase the R8 with rear-wheel drive unless you actually require the extra 40 horsepower, 7 lb-ft, and 0.4 seconds of acceleration for bragging rights (you don’t). It’s more enjoyable, more affordable, and equally stylish as any other R8. Audi can tout the advantages of Quattro all-wheel drive all it wants, yet the renowned supercar of this manufacturer performs best with just one driven wheel.
Editors’ note: As is typical in the auto industry, the manufacturer paid for the travel expenses associated with this story. The Roadshow staff’s conclusions and viewpoints are their own, and we do not accept compensated editorial content.
View the newest automobiles, including supercars and SUVs. Tuesdays and Thursdays for delivery.
In This Article...
Audi R8 has RWD or AWD?
The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) standard model and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Performance models are the two ways Audi offers the R8. They come in coupe and convertible (Spyder) variants. As was already established, Audi equips its RWD and AWD models with variations of the same 5.2-liter V10 engine.
An R8 has what kind of wheels?
The R8 V10 RWD is the limited-edition rear-drive R8’s standard production model from last year (rear-wheel-drive series). It is 65 kg lighter than the quattro variant, mostly as a result of the removal of the driveshafts, front differential, propshaft, and center differential that provide power to the front wheels.
This less complex, lighter, and slightly less potent R8 V10 is supposed to be more satisfying and throttle-adjustable. So, more of a R8 for drivers. It is significantly less expensive and resembles the standard model only in that it has body-color side blades and gloss black, ten-spoke alloy wheels.
Does the Audi R8 have four wheels?
All R8s have a twin-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission and a V10 engine. The Performance quattro versions come standard with 4WD and 611 horsepower, while Audi also sells a 562 horsepower rear-wheel-drive option.
What model Audi has RWD?
The genuine meaning of “more power, greater enjoyment” “At the Audi Sport GmbH, performance. The new R8 V10 performance RWD, a sporty counterpart to the R8 V10 performance quattro, is offered as a Coup or Spyder with 30 PS additional. This rear-wheel-drive sports car is the epitome of enjoyable driving because to its mid-mounted engine’s 419 kW (570 PS) and innovative technological features including bucket seats, dynamic steering, CFK stabilizers, and ceramic disc brakes.
The exciting new cutting edge of Audi’s serial rear-wheel drive sports cars is the R8 V10 performance RWD (Rear Wheel Drive). “With its raw dynamics and rear-wheel drive inspired from the R8 LMS motorsport, the Audi R8 V10 RWD definitely appealed to customers from the get-go. According to Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, the vehicle now has 30 PS and 10 newton meters more, elevating the driving experience to a whole new level. The new performance variants will replace the base versions of both vehicles, the R8 V10 quattro and the R8 V10 RWD as a Coup and Spyder. This further solidifies the top spot for the R8 model line.
What does R8 stand for?
Rate is abbreviated as “r8.” This acronym may be used while discussing an item’s online ratings, the cost of a service, or the speed at which something happens.
For instance, when debating the cost and download speed of their Internet subscription, a user would say, “I would anticipate a lot faster download speed for the r8 I am paying. The worst of all of them is my ISP, I r8.”
Are Audi R8s considered sports cars?
In the United States, the first-generation Audi R8 debuted for the 2008 model year. Based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car, the R8 is a two-seat sports car.
What speed is an Audi R8?
The V-10 RWD R8 can accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 3.7 seconds in coupe form and 3.8 seconds with the cloth top thanks to its free-flowing, redline-loving engine. For the coupe and Spyder variants, the top speed is listed at 204 and 203 mph, respectively.
The 2021 Audi R8 thrills with its acceleration, balance, feel, and sound.
The 2021 Audi R8 receives a 9 for performance because to its thrilling power, responsive steering, nimble and well-balanced handling, and balanced handling.
The R8 is offered by Audi in two variations: quick and faster. Its 5.2-liter V-10 generates 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque in V10 Performance variants, compared to 532 hp and 398 lb-ft in base form. The V-10 has a violent but lyrical song, rapid acceleration, and isn’t too tense to drive in congested areas. It is connected to a smooth, responsive 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that, depending on drive mode, maintains the appropriate gear for the road or the racetrack. In just 3.6 seconds for the standard model and 3.3 seconds for the V10 Performance, which has a top speed of 204 mph, the R8 hooks up and accelerates quickly.
The R8 feels grounded and solid due to its balanced mid-engine configuration. Because it scrapes the ground, there is little body lean, and the rapid steering takes the car into and out of turns quickly. All models have the ability to track.
Due to the standard magnetic dampers’ ability to switch between a street-soft and track-firm setting, the base model provides a higher ride quality. The sport suspension on the V10 Performance is firm without being harsh.