Audi unveils rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 RWS with 540hp

Audi Sport has taken the wraps off a new R8 V10 variant, the rear-wheel-driven R8 V10 RWS. Eschewing the quattro four-wheel drive system of the standard model the limited edition model is set-up similar to the R8 LMS race car. 

Only 999 units of the Audi R8 V10 RWS will be produced in both coupé and open-top Spyder bodystyles.

“The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists - a limited edition model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment,” said Audi Sport boss Stephen Winkelmann. "With a V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the street."

The powertrain is unchanged and the same mid-rear-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine that produces 540hp at 6800rpm and 540Nm at 6500rpm that used by R8 V10 quattro is available.

Removing the propshaft and drive system from the front axle saves 50kg, providing the coupé version of Audi Sport’s R8 V10 RWS with a kerb weight of 1590kg and a corresponding power-to-weight ratio of 340hp per tonne. The 1640kg R8 V10 quattro coupé boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 328hp per tonne.

However, the RWS has a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the R8 V10 coupe quattro in coupé though the claimed top speed is the same 318kph.

A few design elements helps to differentiate the special edition model from its standard brethrem including a matt black grille insert, air vents up front sideblades finished in gloss black and a visual package consisting of red stripes across the bonnet, roof and rear in the coupé.

In the cabin, the RWS comes with standard sport seats in leather and Alcantara and an emblem denoting its build number.

The chassis and steering system of the R8 V10 RWS has been reworked in line with the switch to rear-wheel drive. It rides on standard 19-inch wheels shod with 245/35 front and 295/35 rear tyres.