The Audi R8 is the German manufacturer’s top-of-the-line sports vehicle, but does it have all-wheel drive?
Since its first debut in 2006, the Audi R8 has been an all-wheel-drive vehicle, featuring Audi’s unique Quattro AWD system. There is, however, a rear-wheel-drive version that was first offered in 2018 and goes by the designation “R8 RWS.” Today, it is referred to as the Audi R8 RWD.
Continue reading to find out more about the Audi R8, including its characteristics and why it’s regarded as such a superb vehicle.
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Audi R8 is it 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.
Rear-wheel drive is a R8?
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.
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Is the Audi R8 4×4?
The Audi R8 made a significant impact in 2006, and it continues to rank among the most sought-after supercars available today. The second edition of the car, which debuted in dealerships in 2015, only comes with V10 engine this time around and does not come in a lesser V8 form. The same coupe and convertible R8 Spyder variants are available. 2018 saw a redesign that only made the breed better.
The R8 has the appearance, power, agility, and sense of occasion to qualify as a true supercar. Its competitors are numerous, with the Lamborghini Huracan being the closest in terms of mechanical similarity. The Porsche 911, McLaren 570S/600LT, Honda NSX, and BMW i8 are additional (new and used) models to think about with the engine behind the driver. Front-engined vehicles that are alternatives include the Mercedes-AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type SVR, Nissan GT-R, and Aston Martin Vantage.
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.
Which Audis have 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.
Is a Lamborghini quicker than an Audi R8?
But you can see how great the Aventador Roadster is by simply looking at the table directly above. The performance parameters of the V12 engine in the Lamborghini Aventador series are simply beyond the capabilities of the Audi R8 Spyder, despite its valiant efforts. Starting in the first row, where we can observe an incredible advantage of 198 horsepower, this is made quite evident. Even though the torque is only 109 pound-feet, it is still quite a bit.
The Audi R8 is a Lamborghini, right?
The 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine from the original Audi R8 is thought to be a Lamborghini engine nearly generally among auto aficionados. This is so because the Gallardo also had a V10 engine and Audi acquired Lamborghini before the unveiling of that powerplant.
A and S Models
Sedans or hatchbacks are the types of Audi cars that start with the letter A. The size of the car increases as the next number increases. Accordingly, the A3 is Audi’s smallest sedan, while the A8 is their biggest.
The majority of Audi sedans and hatchbacks have a model that starts with the letter S. Sport, denoted by the letter S, refers to a bigger, more potent engine with more horsepower and torque. For instance, the S6 resembles the A6 in terms of look but has an 8-cylinder, 450-horsepower engine as opposed to the A6’s, which has a 6-cylinder, 333-horsepower engine.
Q Models
Q stands for quattro, the renowned all-wheel drive system from Audi. SUVs, crossovers, and wagons that begin with the letter Q always have quattro as standard equipment. The Q3 is the smallest and the Q7 is the largest, just like with Audi cars.
R Models
Roadsters with mid-engines and two seats, like the R8, are performance sports cars. Audi Space Frame, a high strength aluminum frame with integrated panels that is lighter and stronger than conventional steel, serves as the foundation for the body of these vehicles.
RS Models
RS stands for “Rennsport,” which is the German equivalent of “Race-Sport.” The most powerful and high-performing Audi models are called RS models. Audi typically only makes one RS model at a time, and the current RS 7 boasts a staggering 605 horsepower TFSI engine that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.3 seconds.
TT Models
The Tourist Trophy, a motorcycle racing competition held on the Isle of Man for more than a century, inspired the naming of TT models, which deviate from the naming convention’s set norms. Compact sports vehicles known as TT variants have transversely mounted turbocharged engines. The TT is offered in the aforementioned S and RS variants.
Is the R8 the same as the Huracan?
While the Uracan has an electronically controlled AWD system, the R8 makes use of Audi’s Quattro 4WD technology.
There are several similarities between the Lamborghini Huracan and the Audi R8. They are identical in size, have the same chassis, and have the same engine. The Audi R8’s engine is slightly more detuned than the Lamborghini Huracan’s, yet it nevertheless produces a similarly loud V10 symphony, some could even say a greater one.
The Lamborghini Huracan uses an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that outperforms the legendary Quattro system featured in the Audi R8, while the Audi R8 uses Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The 7 Speed DCT [Dual Clutch Transmission] gearbox used by the Audi R8 is likewise used by the Lamborghini Huracan. The 7 Speed DCT gearbox is a dependable gearbox that can handle practically anything.
Both cars have fairly similar character profiles, but which one would we pick? Read on!
Audi R8 all-wheel drive in 2021?
The limited-edition Audi R8 Rear Wheel Series (RWS) was produced in just 999 units, 320 of which were sold in the US. The rear-wheel-drive R8 is mechanically identical to the R8 Quattro, just as it was back then, with the exception of the absence of the driveshaft, axles, and differential that deliver power to the front wheels. A limited slip differential transmits power to the rear wheels through a well-known seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The RWD coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the RWD Spyder completes the same sprint in 3.7 seconds. The R8 Quattro accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in both the coupe and the Spyder 0.4 seconds faster.
In 2018, when we returned to driving the RWS, we said: “Yes, the Quattro version is quicker, easier, and in some ways just as entertaining. It also displays a particular rear-drive balance. At the limit, the RWS makes more demands of its driver. And all-wheel drive will never be able to replicate that experience’s unique qualities. Audi is aware of it. And this car is a result of it.”
All-wheel drive is currently only available on the Performance variant as the rear-wheel-drive R8 has replaced the more affordable of the R8’s two trim levels. The coupe and the spyder priced $144,195 and $156,395 respectively in the rear-wheel arrangement, while the coupe and spyder with quattro cost $198,195 and $210,395 respectively. The Performance model won’t be available with rear-wheel drive.
Light cosmetic changes have been made to the R8’s exterior, including new carbon finishes for the side blades and a rear spoiler on the Performance variant. All R8 versions now have LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. In the winter of 2020, dealers will receive every variation of the 2021 R8.
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