Essai Audi R8 V10 GT RWD : Farewell, V10 !

In 16 years of existence, the Audi R8 has known an incalculable number of limited versions, and other special series celebrating in turn its successes in competition or its new technologies. But this is serious. We speak purely and simply of the end of the atmospheric V10 engine which propels the German. So inevitably, it was a question of doing better and more exciting than ever. Here, the monster develops 620 hp and 565 Nm of torque which it only sends to the rear wheels. Until then, the most powerful RWD “capped” at 570 hp, and the equally powerful R8s necessarily had all-wheel drive. But the improvements don’t stop at this ideal configuration. The engineers also shortened the seven gears of the dual-clutch gearbox, installed a stabilizer bar made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and optimized the work of the suspensions. The latter can be replaced, for the most demanding, by a complete kit and adjustable in rebound as in compression. An option at 7800 euros. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard and aerodynamics have been sharpened (front and rear bumpers with end flaps, rear spoiler mounted on goosenecks, new front spoiler and rear diffuser).

Last laps

Stop the theory. Our test will only take place on the circuit, on the Monteblanco track, in the Seville region. A few turns, and that will be it. Too bad, especially since the fine rain having been invited to the party forces our R8 V10 GT RWD to fit the standard pneumatic tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Not ideal for track use, but already enough for the V10 to remember us well. This atmospheric 5.2 still knows how to wake the dead, with a dull but nuanced sound, which turns into a real philharmonic concert once admission is open. A howl that he manages to maintain up to 8700 rpm. Exhilarating, and especially rare these days. The thrust actually benefits from the optimized gearbox ratios and the traction is never really faulted. And in an era of electrification that offers new standards of acceleration, the R8 V10 GT prefers pure sensations. Fortunately, the rain moved away and the asphalt dried up. Time to put on the optional semi-slicks (Michelin Sport Cup 2), and here we go again for a session. What to discover an R8 with transfigured behavior. Always as surgical on registration, the German gains a bit of agility, with a train that is easy to launch right where you need to. The course changes are made without the slightest inertia, followed by a firm and locked support.

The beginnings of the Torque Rear

This Audi R8 GT also introduces a new “Torque Rear” feature. To put it simply, it’s an electronic referee that will release more or less slack in the rear differential to let the drive wheels go and thus draw a nice glide. A safeguard that can be regulated on 7 levels. If Audi presents this gadget to us as a drift aid, it is difficult to understand the level of intervention. For example, it is quite possible to set off in 360° from level 4… Moreover, this differential, which is not electronically controlled, is not capable of sending torque to the opposite wheel to maintain a drift according to the desired preset, as on a Ferrari for example. It is therefore better to spit in the palms and be rather quick to countersteer. This R8 is in no way tricky and is rather progressive in its reactions. But its mid-rear-engine supercar design begs for sharp reflexes while having smooth directions behind the wheel. Not obvious, but intoxicating once mastered.

A career ending worthy of the name

For the rest, this supercar ends its career in the most beautiful way, showing itself to be extremely communicative and striking in sensations. A packaging that Audi has taken care of coating with a specific presentation and a production limited to 333 copies. As for the price, it would be inappropriate to talk about it for the announced death of a V10 as we no longer do. Farewell!

Our Verdict

WE love

• Fabulous atmospheric V10
• Always easy behavior
• Precision and stability in support

We love less

• Slow transmission when downshifting
• “Old-fashioned” rear limited slip
• To be enjoyed in semi-slick

Acheter

• Version tested: R8 GT
• From €245,000
• Mixed conso WLTP (l/100 km) : 14.9
• CO₂ (g/km)/mileage or bonus: 339 – 341 / 40,000 €
• Fiscal horsepower: 56 HP
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Warranty: 2 years / unlimited mileage

Conduct

• Engine: 90° petrol V10, dry sump, direct injection, double overhead camshafts
• Transmission : Propulsion
• Power (hp at rpm): 620 hp at 8000 rpm
• Torque (Nm at rpm): 565 to 6400 rpm
• Empty weight (kg): 1570
• Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,50×1,96×1,22
• Wheelbase (m): 2.65
• Turning circle (m): NC
• Vitesse maxi (km/h) : 320
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): 3.4
• Standard tyres: Michelin Pilot 4S
• Tires tested: Michelin Sport Cup 2 (245/30 R20 90Y front, 305/20 R20 103Y rear)

Vivre

• 5/2 chest (l): 112
• Front/rear elbow width (cm): NC
• Rear legroom (cm): –
• Tank (l): 83

Recommended options

Pneus semi-slick : 990 €
Installation audio Bang&Olufsen : 2310 €

The main opponents

• Lamborghini Huracan Technica
• McLaren Artura
• Ferrari 296 GTB