News
Video: Audi R8 V10 GT RWD
Audi’s iconic R8 has reached the end of the road – Rory takes its celebratory V10 GT RWD version for one last drive to see it out in style
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 8 December 2022 | 0 min read
Gamechanger is a much over-used claim in the hype-driven fast car world but the Audi R8 truly lives up to that title. True, its mid-engined layout and general format was nothing revolutionary in itself but the perception shift it achieved for the brand is beyond measure, and lasts to this day. So, if Rory’s going to bid it farewell, he’s going to do it properly with this spectactular R8 V10 GT RWD.
As Rory explores, the original 2007 R8 launched the brand head to head with the best in the sports and supercar business. The combination of that signature Audi quality with handling way more dynamic than anything it had made before was a winner on road and track, racing versions of the R8 earning wins in GT championships the world over and, with it, the all-important credibility to count as a sports car hero. Just this year R8s have won titles in Europe, Australia and beyond, its seventh victory in this year’s iconic Nürburgring 24-hour a matter of particular pride given the intense competition with home German rivals like Porsche, Mercedes-AMG and BMW.
As Rory explores, the original 2007 R8 launched the brand head to head with the best in the sports and supercar business. The combination of that signature Audi quality with handling way more dynamic than anything it had made before was a winner on road and track, racing versions of the R8 earning wins in GT championships the world over and, with it, the all-important credibility to count as a sports car hero. Just this year R8s have won titles in Europe, Australia and beyond, its seventh victory in this year’s iconic Nürburgring 24-hour a matter of particular pride given the intense competition with home German rivals like Porsche, Mercedes-AMG and BMW.
The V10 GT RWD Rory drives here is a road-going celebration of that motorsport success, and the second R8 GT has made over the course of two-generations of this mid-engined icon. That unmistakable 5.2-litre V10 engine at the heart of the R8 in this case delivers 620 horsepower, which is the same as the flagship Quattro version. But all going to the rear wheels, via an adjustable ‘Torque Rear Drive’ mode to let you enjoy that power safely and look a total hero in the process. With seven settings you can simply turn the heat up as your confidence grows via a convenient switch on the steering wheel.
Having got that out of his system Rory then takes you round the special features that set this GT apart from other R8s, just 15 out of a total production run of 333 due to be sold here in the UK. These finishing touches include special weight-saving forged wheels, bucket seats and a full carbon fibre aero kit with race-style front flics, prominent rear diffuser and a huge rear wing.
Having got that out of his system Rory then takes you round the special features that set this GT apart from other R8s, just 15 out of a total production run of 333 due to be sold here in the UK. These finishing touches include special weight-saving forged wheels, bucket seats and a full carbon fibre aero kit with race-style front flics, prominent rear diffuser and a huge rear wing.
A bittersweet moment, then, as we bid farewell to another internal combustion powered hero car. But one to enjoy properly, as Rory lets every one of those 620 horsepower run wild.
And if you enjoyed this video make sure you hit like, subscribe and share your comments in the conversation below!
And if you enjoyed this video make sure you hit like, subscribe and share your comments in the conversation below!
