The 2022 Audi R8 Performance V-10 RWD Is Improved In Every Aspect, Including More Power!

The Naturally Aspirated V-10 Is Even More Powerful

The Audi R8 Performance RWD is powered by a 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-10 engine that puts out 562 horses at 8,000 rpm and 406 pound-feet of torque at 6,400 rpm.

This is 29 horses and nine pound-feet of torque more than the outgoing model, and pretty much on par with the outgoing entry-level V-10 Quattro model. When compared to the Performance Quattro model, it still lacks by 40 ponies.

A seven-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox and a mechanical limited-slip differential help route power exclusively to the rear wheels. The lack of a front diff and the shafts didn’t shave a lot of weight off. The RWD model is just 110 pounds lighter than its all-wheel-drive twin.

Thanks to the free-flowing, redline-loving engine, the V-10 RWD R8 can sprint to 60 mph from rest in 3.7 seconds in the coupe form and 3.8 seconds with the fabric top. The top speed is rated at 204- and 203 mph for the coupe and Spyder models, respectively.

The R8 V-10 Performance RWD also comes with a sport suspension setup. Steering has never been the R8’s strong suit, but Audi is planning to change that by offering a Variable Dynamic Steering setup for the first time of the RWD R8. You also get four drive modes to choose from – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual. As for the braking setup, an 18-inch high-performance steel braking system with a wave design and a 19-inch high-performance ceramic braking system are also available to bring your R8 to a halt without much drama.

What’s New On The Outside?

The German automaker replaced the standard RWD model of the R8 with the Performance RWD in Germany not too long ago. The new update simplifies the R8’s lineup to just two options – Rear-wheel-drive and All-wheel-drive with coupe and Spyder styles. This time, we get a refresh on the RWD model.

Audi noted that the coupe model weighs 3,505 pounds (1,590 kilos), 231 pounds lighter than the 3,736-pound (1,695 kilos) Spyder version.

The electro-hydraulic soft top can be deployed in 20 seconds up to a speed of 31 mph (50 kph). The fabric can be had in either Black, Brown, or Red shades. The top is stowed away neatly into a cover flap composed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Even the Audi Space Frame platform that the car is based on is made up of CFRP and aluminum.

The Audi R8 Performance RWD comes with a wide singleframe grille that houses the R8 logo. The car comes with a lot of aero elements that help reduce drag to the maximum. This includes a wide front spoiler and splitter, air vents in the grille, and wide air intakes on the rear bumper and the side. The company from Ingolstadt also noted that the LED headlights are now darkened, akin to the RS models. There is also slit under the hood that is an ode to the Audi Sport Quattro.

The R8 comes with extra-light 19-inch wheels as standard. They are shod in 245/35 section rubber at the front and 295/35 section tires at the rear. If you want the car to stick to the road like a leech, you can opt for the 20-inch aluminum cast optional wheels. Alternatively, you can also have them with Cup tires that measure 245/30 section at the front and 305/30 section at the rear.

To make the RWD model feel even more special, Audi has introduced the ‘Ascari Blue Metallic’ shade on it that was earlier reserved only for the Performance Quattro model. This is apart from the nine other exterior shades offered on it. The side blades are finished in Mythos Black. The oval tailpipes are finished in gloss black to complement the overall scheme.

What’s New On The Inside?

Step into the driver’s seat and you’ll notice a race car cockpit with a large arch spanning the area in the front. It’s called ‘Monoposto’ in Audi’s speak. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and behind it sits a 12.3-inch digital screen. The screen has a large tachometer in the middle, and it also shows stuff like power, torque, g-forces, lap times, tire pressure and temperature, and engine and transmission oil temperatures.

You can have the car with either bucket seats or sports seats, both of which are draped in fine napa leather. Opt for the R8 Performance Design Pack and you can get seats with black Alcantara leather with contrast Mercato Blue diamond stitching, and carbon fiber trim. As for the cargo space, you get eight cubic feet of space behind the seats and four cubic feet of space under the front hood.

There is some optional stuff you can get for extra moolah, that includes:

• Interior light package
• High-beam assist
• Storage package
• Park assist plus with a rear-view backup camera

How Much Does The Audi R8 Performance RWD Cost?

Audi had earlier noted that the starting price of the R8 Coupe is €149,000 and the Spyder is €162,000. This is approximately $168,000 and $182,500, respectively, as per the exchange rates at the time of penning this article.