Frankfurt 2017: Audi R8 RWS - Winkelmann Brings Gallardo LP550-2 Formula To Audi

In addition to all the concepts and self-driving cars, Audi has revealed something interesting at the Frankfurt Motor Show – the R8 V10 RWS.

Limited to 999 units worldwide, each R8 V10 RWS, which stands for ‘Rear Wheel Series’, will be hand-built at the Böllinger Höfe R8 factory.

Offered in Coupe and Spyder variants, the R8 RWS shares the same 5.2-litre V10 engine as the other existing versions, producing 540 PS and 540 Nm of torque and paired to the brand’s 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Thanks to the powertrain package and rear-wheel drive layout, the car is able to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds (Coupe) and 3.5 seconds (Spyder), and clock a top speed of 317km/h.

With the quattro all-wheel drive system out the way, the R8 V10 RWS is about 50kg lighter than the regular R8. However, it is still slower to do the century sprint than the latter by 0.2 seconds.

What’s interesting about the R8 RWS is that its chassis setup and control systems actually allow the driver to do controlled drifts.

All he or she has to do is choose “dynamic” mode in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system, and set the Stabilisation Control ESC to “Sport”. With the ESC ready to intervene reliably at the limit, the electromechanical power steering becomes completely free of torque steer and enables precise handling.

Setting this version apart from the regular R8s are features like the matt black ‘Singleframe’ grille, matt black air apertures, as well as a gloss black and body coloured two-tone upper sideblades. The Coupé also gets an optional red film running over the bonnet, roof and rear end. 

Inside, the supercar gets sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara, as well as an emblem indicating the limited number of units (1 of 999). 

“The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. “A limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer. With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it successfully brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets.”