Audi teases RWD R8 before Frankfurt debut

A teaser video previews the rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 before its official reveal at the Frankfurt motor show.

Published On Sep 11, 2017 01:42:00 PM

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Audi teases RWD R8 before Frankfurt debut

Audi Sport has released a teaser video that suggests a rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 will be heading to the upcoming Frankfurt motor show. The short video that was uploaded onto Instagram shows an R8 performing donuts and the use of the IAA hashtag for the event in Frankfurt.

Unlike its Italian sibling, the Lamborghini Huracan, this will be the first time the R8 will be an exclusively rear-wheel-driven car. The standard 540hp, 5.2-litre V12 motor is expected to power the new RWD R8 though a 610hp version may also join it later.

Our sister publication Autocar UK had uncovered last year that the next R8 will share a turbocharged V6 engine with the Porsche Panamera and RS4, RS5 and RS Q5. While the V6 mill will replace the 4.2-litre V8 motor, it is unlikely that this engine will be offered with the RWD R8.

The rear-wheel-drive version will be the fifth R8 variant in the German supercar’s line-up and may be the new entry-level model. However, the decals that run from the bonnet to the engine cover could also mean that it is a limited-run or special edition model.