Audi brings back R8 rear-wheel-drive for 2020 base model

MANILA: In 2017, Audi rolled out a limited run production version of its flagship supercar R8. The model named as R8 RWS was rear-wheel-drive whose only 99 units were sold worldwide. And now for the model year 2020 R8, the brand is returned it with RWD and this time it will be a permanent option for the base trim. 

As revealed on Wednesday, the 2020 R8 V10 RWD will be available in both Coupe and Spyder body styles, along with the same visual tweaks as the AWD models. The facelifted version of the supercar exhibits the newer, more aggressive front end with larger air intakes. If we observe the rear end, we can find bigger circular exhausts and larger cooling ducts beneath the taillights. To complement the look restyled wheels and a new diffuser is also added.

To draw a line of difference between the looks of AWD and RWD models, the carmaker added iconic sideblades painted in black to the RWD version as well as the bottom one is finished in the same color as the rest of the body.

Under the skin, the new R8 RWD uses the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine coupled with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission which produces 540 PS of power and 540 Nm torque. Unlike Quattro AWD, power is sent only to the rear axles which come with a mechanical locking differential. Though it is less powerful than the Quattro which makes 611 PS and 580 Nm.

The RWD version also has a lower top speed of 320 kmph as compared to the Quattro’s 331 kmph. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds. This is because of its lighter weight, it is 65 kg lighter than the equivalent R8 V10 due to dropping the Quattro all-wheel-drive setup.

If we see the R8 RWD price, it stands around Php 1.23 million against the expensive AWD version which comes at Php 8.05 million. 

Also read: 2020 Audi Q3 to be sold in the Philippines