Audi has officially started winding down production of the R8 with the unveiling of yet another limited edition model based on the rear-wheel-drive derivative previously known as the R8 RWS.
Reviving the GT moniker last used on the original – between 2011 and 2013, the latest iteration serves as the final encore for Ingolstadt’s supercar that will be replaced “mid-decade” by a newly named, all-electric model currently being developed.
No longer all-wheel-drive as the previous GT was, the newcomer loses a further 20kg by receiving carbon ceramic brakes as standard, along with lightweight ten-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres, coupling rods made out of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic anti-roll bars.
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In addition, Audi has equipped the R8 GT with a Drift mode using what it calls Torque Rear that adjusts the Electronic Stability Control to provide intentional rear wheel slip, gloss black exterior surrounds, black badges and a carbon fibre areokit comprising a front splitter, side sills, winglets on the flanks of the front bumper, diffuser and a rear wing.
Inspired to a large extent by the original R8, the GT’s interior differences comprise a black-and-red finish, red-and-black bucket seats with R8 GT embroidered seatbacks, red seatbelts, R8 GT inscribed floor mats and the option of a number plaque on the centre console representing the 333 units Audi will produce.
Nestled in the middle, the normally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 that has been part of the R8 since the original’s debut in 2006, and the sole unit since the decision to drop the 4.2-litre V8 in 2015, has been uprated one last time with outputs of 456kW/565Nm.
An uptake of 37kW/15Nm over the mill that powers the standard rear-wheel-drive R8, the added performance, plus an altered seven-speed S-tronic gearbox and kerb weight of 1 570kg, means the R8 GT will get from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 12.4 seconds before topping out at 320km/h.
Available from next year in three colours; Daytona Grey Metallic, Matte Suzuka Grey and Tango Red Metallic, pricing in Germany kicks-off at €225 000 (R3.9-million) with no indication yet of South Africa being privy to any of the 333 examples.
