Mat Watson today gets to drive Audi's baby supercar, the R8 V10 Performance RWD, to see if having the pure rear-wheel drivetrain makes this car closer to perfection - but a few other things are different, too.
To begin with, the RWD edition looks almost identical to the AWD version - the one exception is that the rear-wheel-drive car doesn't have a fixed visible spoiler, instead, there’s a deployable electronic one.
Hidden under the glass roof, is the spectacular 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10, which produces 570 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The maximum speed is 204 mph, and 0-60 time is 3.7 seconds - there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with launch control, too.
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels come as standard, and you can get 20" and slight trim modifications by upgrading to the Edition model.
Audi's R8 V10 RWD Version: Sensible Is The Word, Stylish Is The Takeaway
Some might say that the interior of the RWD Audi is rather dull, but it’s definitely sensible and reasonably stylish.
Once Mat gets behind the wheel, he’s quick to appreciate the car - comfy seats, decent visibility for a supercar, and super easy layout - there are some nice features, such as climate controls, a digital display within the actual dial, and a clear and bright driver’s display.
The quality of the interior is very good, but it’s not the most practical.
Speaking of which; the storage space in front of the car is the same as in the AWD version – 112 liters – so not very much.
Reportedly, taller people have problems with headroom, too, and unlike the AWD edition, bucket seats come only as an option on rear-wheel-drive cars: instead they get electrically adjustable sport seats as a standard.
Aside from the interior, the exterior looks are important, but the main thing in a supercar is how it drives - once out on the road, Mat is much more enthusiastic.
We Find Out The Verdict: It's Not The Best R8, But It's Fun
Mat likes the chassis; the suspension works great, if a bit bumpier without the adaptive dampers - the steering feels better because the front wheels move more freely.
The car is very fast, and Mat enjoys the sweet sound of the engine at 8,500 rpm - he likes the feeling of the power going through the back, and how he can balance it on the throttle.
He’s not so appreciative of the gearbox, though, as it interferes with downshifting, but the 0-60 test proves a great success - in short, on a dry road with good traction, Mat is more than happy to drive the Audi R8 RWD.
In conclusion; The Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD version is the best Audi to drive; but it’s not a hardcore sports car.
If choosing between the R8 Quattro and the RWD, the all-wheel-drive edition is better on a rainy day on an unfamiliar road.