The Audi R8 was a revelation when it debuted sixteen years ago. The company’s first mid-engine production car was an immediate challenger to the established players in the sportscar segment. Audi has constantly honed the offering and soon, it will say goodbye to the R8 altogether. But there is one more special edition before that happens. Say hello to the Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD. Audi SA confirmed with us that this variant is, unfortunately, not coming to South Africa.

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Most Powerful

Audi is placing all its eggs in the EV basket. This means that the Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD is the last model from Ingolstadt that will boast this powertrain. In a fitting farewell, Audi has ramped up power from the naturally aspirated V10. Peak power is now rated as 456 kW along with 565 N.m of torque. 

Click here to read our Audi R8 Spyder V10 Performance Quattro driving review.

Power is sent to the rear axle through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. These figures make it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Audi to ever go on sale to the public. Audi says the new R8 GT RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h  in 3,4 seconds, reaches the 200 km/h mark in just 10,1 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h.

Lighter on its Feet

Engineers have managed to shed 20 kg off the GT RWD compared to the standard R8 V10 RWD. Audi quotes a mass of 1 570 kg. Items that helped lose a few kg include model-specific 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires and composite brakes. There is also a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic anti-roll bar on the front axle.

We tip the first-generation Audi R8 as a future classic, as you can read here.

Sideways

Keen drivers will be interested to learn that the Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD comes with Torque Rear mode. This is Audi speak for variable-rate traction control. Drivers can choose between seven levels of electronic interference. Level 1 allows little slippage, while level 7 allows a lot. A dial on the steering wheel allows you to choose your preferred level –  NICE!

Bespoke Appearance

The Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD is distinguished by a carbon aerokit in high gloss. The package consists of a front splitter, flics, side skirt covers, elements on the sides of the rear bumper, a diffuser, and a rear wing with gooseneck mounts. Listen to the latest, and last, R8 V10 in the video below.