About 60 percent of human DNA corresponds to that of a fruit fly, but we are by no means equal. So how should we view Audi’s claim? That the new R8 Performance RWD shares 60 percent of its parts with the R8 LMS GT4 race car.
The Audi R8 – two of which were sold in the Netherlands in 2020 – is available in three flavors: with 540 hp and rear-wheel drive, with 570 hp and four-wheel drive, and as a Performance Quattro top model with 620 hp. The first has to leave the field from the beginning of next year. It will be replaced by the 570 hp Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD, where that abbreviation of course stands for Rear Wheel Drive.
Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds
The drive of the new variant is of course provided by the already well-known V10 engine, which we also know from the Lamborghini Huracán. The great-sounding powerplant is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and transfers its power and torque to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. The Performance RWD goes from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. As a Spyder, it takes 0.1 second longer. The top speed for both is just under 330 km/h.
Electronic Stability Control allows controlled drifts
As standard, the Audi R8 Performance RWD is equipped with 18-inch large steel brakes. Ceramic discs in the 19 inch size are an option. If the driver activates the Sport mode of the Electronic Stability Control system, the electronics will keep an eye on things, but allow controlled drifts.
The LMS GT4 race car shares parts with the road car
Audi claims that the R8 Performance RWD borrows some 60 percent of its components from the R8 LMS GT4 race car. However, that doesn’t mean we’re dealing with a hardcore road racer here. You have to think the other way around: the R8 LMS GT4 shares 60 percent of its parts with the road car. The basic things mainly: like the chassis, the body, the engine, the headlights, the taillights, and so on.