Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD Drops Quattro For A Big Engine Goodbye

Channeling all that oomph to the rear wheels is a revised 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that Audi claims has altered gear ratios and delivers rapid-fast upshifts and downshifts. The biggest news is an all-new Torque Rear drive mode that forms part of the R8’s traction control system. The system analyzes data from the wheel speed sensors, the steering angle, the current gear, and the pedal positions to precisely deliver torque to the rear axle. It allows up to seven curves of “slippage” using a satellite controller on the steering wheel and essentially means more rear-wheel drifting action.

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Another reason for the new R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD’s propensity for speed is its lightweight construction. Built mainly by hand at the Audi Sport GmbH facility in Böllinger Höfe (the same place where the brand makes the RS e-tron GT), it has bespoke 20-inch wheels, ceramic brakes, and a bevy of carbon fiber bits and pieces to save weight, including the seats, anti-roll bar, and the suspension. There’s an optional R8 GT coilover suspension package if you want something more hardcore for track use.