Better late than never, the R8 RWS came to be as the rear-wheel-drive R8 everyone was expecting from Audi Sport. Less powerful but more tail happy than the R8 V10 plus, the limited-edition model will soon be overshadowed by what appears to be a more performance-oriented take on the German supercar.
Spied by the carparazzi wrapped in minimal camouflage, the prototype in this set of photos appears to be the hell-bent for leather R8 GT. In the case of the first-generation model, the “GT” nomenclature stands for lighter everything and more excitement from the 5.2 FSI. In comparison to the first-gen R8 V10 plus, the R8 GT has the upper hand thanks to 560 PS and 540 Nm (399 lb-ft).
Offered in fixed-head coupe and open-top flavors, the R8 GT was the ultimate expression of the former flagship in the Audi lineup. It’s no wonder the two models were limited to 333 examples. From a visual standpoint, the thumping great dual-exhaust system is one of the aesthetics details that sets the GT apart from other R8s. And this very difference can be seen with the newcomer too.
Just look at those massive oval-shaped exhaust pipes sticking out from the extremities of the rear aerodynamic diffuser! Looking through the rear bumper’s air grille, you’ll also notice exhaust insulation wrap that appears to be more of a makeshift than a production-ready solution. Surely enough, Audi is tinkering with the 5.2-liter V10 to squeeze out more of them German ponies.
The continuous mesh pattern that runs from one side of the rear bumper to the other also suggests the engine needs extra cooling for the suck-squeeze-bang-blow duty. And on that note, did you notice the quattro badge up front is missing?
If this test mule here is the four-ringed automaker’s reply to the record-breaking Lamborghini Huracan Performance, the production version of the 2019 Audi R8 GT could pack as many as 640 PS and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque.
Offered in fixed-head coupe and open-top flavors, the R8 GT was the ultimate expression of the former flagship in the Audi lineup. It’s no wonder the two models were limited to 333 examples. From a visual standpoint, the thumping great dual-exhaust system is one of the aesthetics details that sets the GT apart from other R8s. And this very difference can be seen with the newcomer too.
Just look at those massive oval-shaped exhaust pipes sticking out from the extremities of the rear aerodynamic diffuser! Looking through the rear bumper’s air grille, you’ll also notice exhaust insulation wrap that appears to be more of a makeshift than a production-ready solution. Surely enough, Audi is tinkering with the 5.2-liter V10 to squeeze out more of them German ponies.
The continuous mesh pattern that runs from one side of the rear bumper to the other also suggests the engine needs extra cooling for the suck-squeeze-bang-blow duty. And on that note, did you notice the quattro badge up front is missing?
If this test mule here is the four-ringed automaker’s reply to the record-breaking Lamborghini Huracan Performance, the production version of the 2019 Audi R8 GT could pack as many as 640 PS and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque.