As the second generation model is approaching the end of its lifecycle, Audi is introducing the more powerful R8 V10 Performance RWD as the new entry point of the R8 range, retiring the previous RWD model.

The Performance RWD’s mid-mounted naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI now produces 562 hp (419 kW / 570 PS) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) and 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft) more powerful than the previous R8 RWD. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox with the help of a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Read Also: Audi R8 Green Hell Edition Pays Tribute To The R8 LMS’ Success On The ‘Ring

The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 3.7 seconds for the Coupé and 3.8 seconds for the Spyder, while the top speed is rated at 329 km/h (204 mph) or 327 km/h (203 mph) respectively.

The rear-wheel-drive version of the Audi first appeared in 2017 as the limited edition R8 RWS, followed by the facelifted R8 RWD in 2019, which was a regular member of the mid-engined supercar’s range.

Thanks to the specific tuning of the double-wishbone suspension and the driving dynamics for the rear-wheel-drive R8, it is possible to perform “controlled drifts”. In order to do that of course you need to activate the Sport Mode, which slackens the stability control and lets the driver have a bit of fun.

The new R8 Performance RWD can also be equipped with options such as dynamic steering, a set of 20-inch Cup tires measuring 245/30 R20 upfront and 305/30 R20 at the back, plus 19-inch ceramic brakes as an upgrade to the standard 18-inch steel braking system.

The R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé weighs 1,590 kg (3,505 pounds) with a 40:60 weight distribution between the axles, while the Spyder is a bit heavier at 1,695 kg (3,737 pounds).

The new entry-level Audi R8 also features a matte-black finish for the grille, splitter, rear grid, and dual oval tailpipes. The color palette consists of ten options including the Ascari Blue Metallic which was previously reserved for the R8 V10 Performance quattro. The Edition package brings bronze 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, side blades from carbon fiber, and black-finished badges.

Inside, we find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather multifunction steering wheel, and optional bucket seats or sports seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara. The optional R8 Performance design package brings black Alcantara leather with Mercato Blue stitching and carbon accents, while there is also an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The R8 is produced in the Böllinger Höfe factory in Neckarsulm, Germany together with the R8 LMS GT4 racecar which is sharing around 60 percent of the components.

Related: Audi R8 RWD Gets More Power, Rest Of Audi Sport Lineup Gets More Content For 2022

In terms of pricing, the Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé starts from €149,000 ($172,192) in Germany, while the Spyder is a little more expensive starting at €162,000 ($187,215). Audi will start taking orders from October 21.

2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling
2022 Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Is The New Standard, Bringing 562 HP And Sharper Handling