Following its European debut late last year, the rear-wheel-drive Audi R8 has now been added to Audi USA’s 2021 lineup as well. Joining the 2021 R8 V10 performance quattro Coupe and Spyder, the 2021 R8 V10 RWD Coupe and Spyder feature the same high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, albeit with 70 HP and 20 Nm less. As with the limited-edition R8 V10 RWS, the V10 in the R8 RWD makes 532 HP and 539 Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The R8 RWD is only marginally slower than
its AWD counterpart, with the 0-96 km/h)sprint taking 3.6 seconds for
the Coupe (3.7 seconds for the Spyder) – a loss of just 0.4 seconds over the
quattro models. The top speed is 323 km/h for the hardtop variant and 322 km/h for the open-top model; the equivalent quattro variants are 6 km/h faster.
Weighing less than its AWD counterpart,
the R8 RWD had its chassis specifically adapted for rear-wheel drive.
Modifications included solid rear axles as opposed to hollow, a stiffer front
anti-roll bar, and an increase in rear negative camber. The R8 V10 RWD models
can be recognized thanks to unique design elements that include the high-gloss
black front blade, side sill inserts and rear diffuser, side blades finished in
Mythos black, and chrome exhaust tips.
An available carbon exterior package adds
carbon fiber to the engine compartment and carbon sigma side blades. All R8
models feature standard LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn
signals, while V10 Performance models can be had with the optional Audi laser
lights.
Inside, the 2021 R8 V10 RWD features Fine
Nappa leather upholstery and 14-way power sport seats as standard. An available
Premium package upgrades the cabin to 18-way adjustable power seats with
pneumatic side and leg bolsters, Alcantara headliner, extended leather package,
550-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 13 individual surrounding
speakers, as well as illuminated door sill inlays.
Other available packages include the
carbon interior package which adds carbon fiber high-gloss surrounds for both
the virtual cockpit and the air vents, and the diamond stitch full leather
package. The latter requires the Premium package, adding diamond stitching to
the Alcantara headliner and seats.
Prices for the 2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD start
from US$ 142,700 for the Coupe and US$ 154,900 for the Spyder. The R8 V10 Performance
Coupe quattro kicks off at US$ 196,700, while the Spyder tops the range at US$ 208,900. All prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge and US$ 1,700 gas guzzler
tax (US$ 2,100 for the Performance models). The 2021 Audi R8 range will arrive in
U.S. dealerships in winter 2020.
