Audi's R8 V10 bows out with RWD GT

Audi's R8 V10 bows out with RWD GT

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As heartbreaking as it may sound, Audi is paying its last respect to its R8 V10 with the introduction of the last R8 RWD Coupe to ever wield the 5.2-litre iconic powerplant.

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Forget the blaring sound emitted by the free-breathing V10; the next-gen R8 will resurrect as a fully-electric supercar, details of which remain under tight wraps, for now. Speaking of the R8 V10 Coupe, it packs the same 5.2-litre FSI engine that's been tweaked to pump out 456 kW and 565 Nm of torque.

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With power wholly sent to the rear axle via an enhanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the last hurrah of the R8 blisters from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before hitting the limiter at 320 km/h. For some tail-happy manoeuvres, it includes the new Torque Rear driving mode which allows drivers to choose their own level of ESC aid.

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Tipping the weight scales at 1,570 kg, the R8 V10 RWD variant is 20 kg lighter than the standard RWD variant we detailed here, thanks to weight-saving measures in the form of lightweight 20" forged wheels wrapped around with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres that are home to large ceramic brakes.

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The R8 also comes fitted with bucket seats, a CFRP stabilizer mounted at the front axle, and two coupling rod connections made of red anodized aluminium for enhanced dynamics.

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To differentiate it from ordinary R8s, the RWD variant spawns darkened 'R8 GT' lettering at the back, a high-gloss carbon aero kit which consists of a front splitter, side skirt covers, CW-elements, a diffuser, and a rear wing with gooseneck suspension.

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It can be had either in matte Suzuka Grey, Tangorot Metallic or Daytona Grey Metallic.

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Moving inside, the R8 gets red seat belts, floor mats and RS bucket seats with the lettering of the special model marked in red and black. To mark its exclusivity, the R8 features an individually numbered plaque mounted below the gear lever.

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Audi will only be building 333 examples of the R8 V10 RWD worldwide, and as it stands right now, there's no word on local availability.

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