Test – Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD, the “last of the last”

Another goodbye to arms for one of the most famous supercars. Audi has decided to gradually stop production of the R8 after 16 years and 42,000 copies sold worldwide. The time is over for heated sports cars, which are increasingly being penalized with daunting penalties, even for fans and wealthy customers.

In addition, Audi having decided to embrace the electric revolution – and for profit – making it a brand image, even in competition, there is no longer a place for fully thermal sports cars in its range. Then the R8 came out, which had nevertheless become an icon of Audi design, and became famous throughout the world as “the car of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man”.

Therefore, the brand is working on an electric successor to its racing car, after an internal unofficial experiment with an R8 e-tron 8 years ago (a few hundred copies sold). But in the meantime, Audi has decided to transform the limit switch of its emblematic sports car with fireworks.

The strong point: an iconic design

In 16 years, the Audi R8 will ultimately have changed very little, so successful was the original design, with a relatively short front bonnet and long, highly-domed rear end, with its large side air vents giving it a fighter-jet look. . Over time, sharper optics and small carbon aerodynamic details have appeared, but without in any way detracting from the basic concept, a strict two-seater coupé with a mid-engine, an engine that can be admired under its glass trunk.

and what engine Originally available with a choice of V8 or V10, this latest Performance RWD model features the best-looking engine in the lineup, the fully aspirated, 570 horsepower, 5.2-liter ten-cylinder engine. It even gains 30 horsepower compared to the classic V10 version. And with a torque of 550 Nm for a mass of 1.6 tons, that is, the machine is very dynamic.

The plus: strict propulsion

For this latest road model, Audi has also decided to abandon Quattro all-wheel drive for good. It has made the manufacturer’s reputation for decades, and also participated in the success of the first R8, providing it with safety and perfect traction despite the high power and highly dynamic architecture. A lead that some supercar enthusiasts had taken offense to, ultimately judging the R8 as “too easy” and questioning its status as a supercar.

But as its name suggests, the R8 V10 Performance RWD is a strict 2WD. No more 4×4 transmission, only the rear wheels drive this model. Main consequence, a relief of the mass, not so evident -5 kilos less compared to the old version Quattro equivalent- but above all a sensation of greater lightness and very pure driving sensations.

A nice supercar for every day

Inside, we’re decidedly in a supercar, but mostly an Audi. A very high-end finish, a large steering wheel and comfortable alcantara bucket seats, high-quality plastics, brushed metal and carbon inserts and, above all, a decidedly “old-fashioned” atmosphere: no large touch screen or miscellaneous gadgets here , only high-precision digital instrumentation with multiple adjustable parameters, focused on performance management. Audi has not wanted to distort the original spirit of the R8 with superfluous gadgets, it is still a supercar that deserves all the attention possible.

Also, to express all this “old-fashioned” character, know that the Bang & Olufsen on-board stereo is excellent, and it even has a CD changer. Despite everything, the completely captivating sound of the V10 that travels right behind you fills the entire space, and above all it makes you want to cut everything to enjoy it better.

Because the Audi R8 V10 RWD Performance is one of those cars that fully engage you in driving, whatever the length of your journey and whatever your pace. Capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with a hellish roar, it also allows you to drive calmly through the city and move with flexibility and practicality.

Its very precise steering transcribes the slightest of your movements, the firm but not excessive damping, the fast but not brutal automatic gearbox and the dynamism of the lightweight chassis (all aluminum, an original characteristic of the R8) do the rest, giving you The impression of being truly one with this superlative car, but quite pleasant to live with on a daily basis.

The bad: extraordinary consumption

Highly endearing, the thermal R8 will be missed on the global automotive landscape, with its unique design and ease of use despite absolutely formidable power. His tendency to gluttony and emit a lot of CO2 a little less: 14 liters per 100 kilometers in the WLTP mixed cycle with more than 300 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which earns him a super sanction of 50,000 euros. However, I’m not sure that its 100% electric successor will reach such a level of homogeneity and versatility.

But at what price?

It’s obvious that this “last of the last” thermal R8 is a veritable anthology of automotive sensations, and there’s no doubt that this latest iteration of Audi’s icon, already a collector’s item, will find buyers among well-heeled collectors and enthusiasts alike. A very recent, more powerful, more expensive and more track-performance oriented GT version is also available (333 copies alone at 255,000 euros each).