2018 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Photos, engines & full specs

While Audi was mostly known for its quattro all-wheel drive system that it promoted since the early '80s, in 2021, it offered the R8 V10 Performance as a rear-wheel drive affair.

In 2017, Audi introduced a limited edition of its R8 V10 supercar, the RWS. Unlike the rest of the range, it was a rear-wheel drive only version, which thrilled its customers. Since it didn't have a front differential at the front and the entire car was lighter than its quattro siblings, drivers could have more fun in that. But Audi made just 999 units of the coupe and the same number for the Spyder version. All of them sold like hotcakes, and customers craving one were left with tears in their eyes. But that didn't last too long since after the car manufacturer introduced the facelift for the R8, it also brought a special version named R8 V10 Performance, which was a rear-wheel drive. Those who couldn't get the 2017 RWS version could enjoy the moment. The new version was more powerful and better equipped to handle a race track than its 2WD predecessor.

When Audi refreshed the second generation of the R8 V10, it slightly upgraded the car's front. The massive singleframe grille sported a honeycomb mesh pattern finished in matte black. The automaker used the same shade for the side scoops' grilles that cooled the front brakes. Another specific detail of the car was the three slits at the lower part of the hood, a reminiscent detail carried over from the Ur-Quattro from the early '80s.

From its profile, the R8 V10 Performance had the same shape as its quattro siblings, sporting black or satin finish door mirror caps, depending on the color options chosen by the customers. Audi also offered them the choice of getting the air intakes in body color, black or satin silver. The wheels' design was also unique for this version. Finally, at the back, customers could get the car with either a broad matte black grille resembling the Ur-Quattro one or a body-colored panel in the middle, between the vents that released the air trapped in the rear wheels' wells. Furthermore, a set of big and round pipes poked through the lower part of the bumper, flanking the diffuser.

Inside, the cabin was fitted with slim sports seats with integrated headrests. The driver fronted a flat-bottom steering wheel that sported several buttons and switches, including the one for the start/stop engine painted in red. An aluminum plaque with the RWD lettering on it adorned the dashboard in front of the passenger.

But the most important part of the vehicle was its drivetrain. The 5.2-liter V10 engine produced 570 PS (562 hp) and sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. The car was lighter by 65 kilograms (143 lbs.) than its quattro sibling. Furthermore, the car's adaptive suspension and electromechanical steering helped drivers get faster laps around a race track and also obtained controlled drifts. Last but not least, it was fitted as standard with ceramic brakes.