In theory, the limited edition Audi RWS should have no problem of being the wild sibling in the German sports car’s range. But when the Quattro models are that good, this proves to be a harder task than you might think.
It’s not that the standard R8 lacks in the engagement department; the Quattro all-wheel drive system is after all rear-biased, allowing the mid-engined Audi to dance in a highly controllable but satisfying way when you really push it.
The new Rear Wheel Series R8 wants to be sharper than its Quattro siblings, ditching things like the propshaft, multi-plate clutch and center differential, freeing up the front axle and dropping the weight by 50kg (110lbs) in the process.
The world’s first rear-driven Audi is powered by the same, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 with the normal R8, meaning 532hp (540PS) and 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque. 0-62mph (100km/h) comes in 3.7 seconds (Spyder: 3.8 seconds) while the top speed is 198mph (Spyder: 197mph).
The irony is that Audi launched the new entry-level R8 in the UK during the worst possible conditions, with heavy snow covering pretty much everything.
Carfection delivers their first driving impressions of the new Audi R8 RWS, which tries to prove itself wearing winter tires on a track.
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