In late 2017, Audi unveiled the special-edition R8 RWS, restricted to 999 items globally. In omitting a driveshaft to the entrance axle, the pure rear-driver misplaced 143 kilos in coupe type, 121 kilos in Spyder guise, and a contact of output to maintain every part manageable. Instead of the usual R8’s 562 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, the R8 RWS put out 532 hp and 398 lb-ft. The lack of parts, complexity, and weight unlocked tens of hundreds of {dollars} in financial savings off the usual R8’s MSRP, and a tail-wagging suppleness unavailable within the Quattro mannequin. Last yr, Audi added the R8 RWD to the common European lineup. When Roadshow inquired a couple of U.S. counterpart, Audi stated a call would not come “for a couple of months.” Well, it has been a couple of months, and if we wish to learn into the EPA’s gas economic system site, Audi’s reply was, “Let’s do it.” Motor Authority picked up on FuelEconomy.gov itemizing 4 Audi R8 trims for 2021, certainly one of them an R8 2WD coupe, one other an R8 Spyder 2WD. This does not make the leaner R8’s importation a certainty, however it exhibits Audi’s begun to place the work in to make it occur.
The EPA rated the 2018 Audi R8 RWS in each bodystyles at 14 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 25 on the freeway, 18 mixed. The EPA marks the 2021 fashions down for 14 metropolis, 23 freeway, 17 mixed. If and when Audi decides to debut them right here, we are able to ask in regards to the discrepancy; maybe engineers have turned the wick up on the 5.2-liter V10 for subsequent yr. Both RWD trims nonetheless come out forward of the R8 with Quattro, rated at 13 metropolis, 20 freeway, and 16 mixed. When Motor Authority requested Audi in regards to the R8 RWD, the automaker declined to remark.
If nothing else adjustments from final yr’s automotive, the rear-wheel-drive R8 will mix the specs of the limited-edition 2018 R8 V10 RWS with the appears of the present R8 V10 Quattro. The giveaways on the RWD mannequin shall be break up sideblades on the the rear-driver that costume the higher blade in gloss black and decrease blade in physique colour, together with an RWD badge within the cabin going through the passenger. Dynamically, all R8s shift by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the R8 RWD taking a contact longer to shift its solution to 62 miles per hour. The R8 Quattro coupe will get there in 3.Three seconds, the R8 RWD hardtop takes 3.7 seconds, on to a prime velocity slightly below 199 mph.