Audi R8 RWS Review
When you think of supercars, your mind probably wanders to bright Italian exotics. Lamborghini and Ferrari are undoubtedly the most well known brands in the supercar world and for good reason; their cars are exquisite and the technology implemented is world leading. On the other hand, to try and drive these cars through busy city streets daily would be an absolute nightmare. Low bodywork, rock hard suspension and horrendously loud exhaust systems make them a preposterous option for your average commute. So, what should those looking for a perfect blend of extravagance and practicality choose?
In 2007 we witnessed the birth of Audi’s first mid-engine supercar, the R8. It featured the same subframe found in the Gallardo, but make no mistake, this car is an entirely different species to the Italian beast. Audi, being as practical as ever, wanted it to be an everyday supercar. They banished the typically claustrophobic and restrictive design of these vehicles and created a supercar with enough space to fit two sets of golf clubs in the back!
It was a true unification of substance and style. The only foible which resonated in the community was that it hadn’t lost any of its manufacturer’s seriousness. It was capable of keeping up with anything on the track but when it came to sliding and other antisocial acts it lagged behind. The German motor was too serious. This has been a constant in every model released since its debut, until now…
The RWS R8 offers a more wholesome driving experience, managing with just two driven rear wheels, a first for Audi. The introduction of this feature meant that it could ditch its cumbersome front differential and drive shaft. Firstly, this saves weight, which is always a positive, and secondly, it allows the front wheels to focus solely on steering input. This means the feedback felt through the steering wheel is a more authentic representation of the road you’re throwing yourself about on.
So, does this mean the new R8 is a handful? Far from it! No car could be boring with a glorious naturally aspirated V10. It’s not quite as raw as a Porsche 911 GT3, however, it still has the compliant nature of the standard R8, but it’s slightly more relaxed. The suspension is one set firmness - they could have added adaptive dampers but the extra weight would be a burden and its setup is absolutely perfect. While this does make an example of poor road conditions at low speeds you’ll be thankful for the sublime suspension when you start putting your foot down.
Audi will build just 999 examples of this rear wheel drive R8, these will be split between the coupe and spyder by customer demand. The fact that this is a limited-edition model and features the excellent S-Tronic seven-speed transmissions means that the thrill this car delivers outweighs the cost of it, bearing in mind that its starting price is £112k!