Audi R8 V10 RWS will become the most affordable R8 when it
lands in the United States later this year. While the exact launch timing
remains unclear, Automobile says the R8 RWS will be priced from US$ 139,950.
That’s significantly less than the standard model which starts at US$ 166,150 and
climbs to US$ 195,650 for the V10 Plus variant.
Despite costing US$ 26,200 less than the standard
model, there aren’t that many tradeoffs as the R8 RWS features the same
naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 540 PS and 540
Nm of torque.
It is connected to a seven-speed S tronic
transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. This enables the coupe to accelerate
from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 320
km/h.
Thanks the elimination of quattro all-wheel drive,
the R8 RWS coupe weighs 1,590 kg. This is 50 kg less than
the standard model as it eschews a cardan shaft, a multi-plate clutch and a
front-axle differential.
Despite being lighter than the standard car, the R8
RWS is actually slower as it doesn’t have the grip of all-wheel drive. For
comparison, the all-wheel drive variant runs from 0-100 km/h in 3.5
seconds but has the same top speed.
On the styling front, there isn’t much to report as
the R8 RWS is virtually identical to the standard model. However, it has matte
and gloss black accents and can be equipped with an optional Misano Red racing
stripe that is meant to recall the R8 LMS GT4.
Inside, drivers will find leather and Alcantara
sport seats as well as an individually-numbered dashboard plaque. All and all,
the R10 RWS looks like a bit of a bargain but it might be hard to get your
hands on one as only 320 units are coming to the United States.
