Audi has made some changes to the R8’s lineup. For starters, the entry-level all-wheel-drive ‘Quattro’ model has been sent into oblivion, which the R8 RWD is replaced with the R8 V-10 Performance RWD. It makes roughly 30 horses more than the standard RWD model that it replaces, and the new power output is the same as the outgoing entry-level Quattro model. Can it help pump up the sales?

What’s Special About The Rejigged Audi R8 RWD?

The automaker has simplified the R8’s lineup and there are only two models on offer now – the Performance RWD and the Performance Quattro. The R8 Performance RWD is available in the coupe form as well as the Spyder.

The Audi R8 continues to be powered by the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine.

Power is routed to the rear wheels exclusively via a seven-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Courtesy of this, the top speed is now rated at 204 mph on the coupe and 203 mph on the Spyder; an increase of six mph on the coupe over the outgoing model. It now takes 3.7 seconds to sprint from 0-62 mph in the coupe form, and 3.8 seconds in the Spyder.

How Is It On The Outside And Inside?

On the outside, it is inspired by the GT models. This can be seen on the flat matte-finished single-frame grille up front, large air intakes, front splitter, large air intakes, and the oval tailpipes. There is a slit under the hood that is an ode to the Audi Sport Quattro. Out of the ten exterior shades on offer, the Ascari Blue Metallic is a new addition to the RWD lineup. It was earlier offered only the Quattro models.

The body is composed of Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, with large parts made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Thanks to this, the coupe weighs 3,505 pounds (1590 kilos) whereas the Spyder weighs 3,737 pounds.

The car comes with extra-light 19 and 20-inch aluminum cast wheels. If you’re looking for something that sticks to the tar better, then you’d be better off with optional 245/30 section tires at the front and 305/30 section tires at the back.

Audi is also offering a Variable Dynamic Steering setup for the first time of the RWD R8. An 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and a 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system are also available. The automaker has also made tweaks to the suspension setup to improve its handling dynamics.

The cabin is upholstered in black Alcantara leather with Mercato Blue contrast stitching. Audi is also offered buckets seats here along with carbon inlays. There are some racecar cockpit inspirations as well, which include that large arch spanning the area in front of the driver’s seat, which is called ‘Monoposto’ in Audi’s speak. It encloses a 12.3-inch screen.

How Much Does The Audi R8 Cost?

Audi noted that the starting price of the R8 Coupe is €149,000 (approximately $172,100), and the Spyder starts at €162,000 (approximately $187,200). It will available to order from October 21, 2021.