The Audi R8 GT RWD is the last of its kind in more ways than one. Here’s everything you need to know about this V10 swansong.
With the electric future lingering just around the corner, the time has come for Audi Sport to put its glorious R8 supercar to rest. However, before the curtain falls on it for good, it appears there’s time for one last hurrah.
Bowing out in style, the new limited-edition Audi R8 GT RWD represents the R8 in its ultimate form. One of the headline modifications is what Audi has done to the engine. The 5.2-litre V10 has been beefed up for its role in the GT RWD, boosting its output to 612hp, compared to the regular car’s 562hp figure. In short, that makes it the most powerful rear-wheel drive Audi has ever made.
It’s also worth noting that, on top of this being the final R8, the GT RWD is also set to be the very last ten-cylinder Audi. As things stand, there’s no plans to reintroduce the V10 to any of the Four Rings’ future models.
Still, at least both the car and its power plant are getting a fitting send-off, as on top of the engine mods, Audi Sport has also been tinkering away to improve other elements of the R8’s package.
A shorter-ratio gearbox makes for quicker shifts and should culminate in a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds, though you do lose a bit of top speed as a result. Still, 199mph should suffice for most people.
What’s more, the GT RWD also gets a bespoke traction control system known as Torque Rear Drive, which offers drivers seven different adjustable driving modes. Put simply, you can effectively tell the car how much you’d like it to grip, and how much you’d like it to allow you to slide. So, whether you’re wanting to chase lap times or get it a bit sideways, you can tailor the experience to whatever suits you best in that moment.
You’ll also notice a few differences to the exterior of the car too. At first, the more aggressive aero is what draws the eye, but you’ll then notice that the 20-inch rims are different to normal too. These lightweight ten-spokes are part of a comprehensive weight saving scheme by Audi, which includes the use of aluminium coupling rods, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic anti-roll bar, and powerful ceramic disc brakes. All in all, Audi reckons that about 20kg has been shaved off the R8, giving the GT RWD a kerb weight of 1570kg.
Plus, if you’re keen on getting the absolute most out of the car in terms of handling, upgraded adjustable coilover suspension and Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres can also be fitted as optional extras.
Only 333 of these vehicles will be put into production, and prices are set to start around the £200,000-mark.
