• Only 999 Audi R8 RWS to be produced worldwide
• First series-production rear-wheel-drive Audi in history promises thrilling driving dynamics
• High-performance model in both Coupe and Spyder, starting from $299,500*

Zetland, February 13, 2018 – Following the recent success of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 in claiming the brand's third Bathurst 12 Hour victory last weekend, the limited edition Audi R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) has been confirmed for an Australian arrival in April at a stunning price point – under $300,000.

"The Audi R8 RWS is such an exciting car for us because it's the very first rear-wheel-drive production car ever built by Audi. As a brand famous for quattro, or all-wheel-drive, this was a huge but exciting move for our brand in once again demonstrating our Vorsprung, or progressiveness, to consumers. It's hard to imagine any sportscar-loving owner who wouldn't be motivated by such a modern classic supercar," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"There's no doubt that we are showing off our Audi Sport credentials in the very best way – offering driving thrills of the highest level, at an incredibly sharp price point, even if that means a brief departure from our famous quattro technology.

"Of course it also traces a direct lineage back to the R8 LMS racecar that took a hard-fought victory at Mount Panorama last weekend, making Audi the most successful marque in the GT3 era of the gruelling event.

"With only 999 being built worldwide, we're expecting our remaining allocation for Australia to be snapped up very quickly," said Mr Sansom.

The R8 road car shares 50 percent of components with the R8 LMS, which is rear-wheel drive due to GT3 racing regulations.

That DNA is now shared – for the first time – with the exclusive R8 RWS.

The exclusive new high-performance supercar variant shares the iconic Audi high-revving, 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine, producing 397kW and 540Nm. Mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the R8 RWS accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds (Coupe), on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 320km/h (Coupe).

Built using the Audi Space Frame with lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium construction, the R8 RWS makes full use of its low centre of gravity, mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive characteristics for a driving experience aimed squarely at purists.

Individually numbered from 1 to 999, the R8 RWS is offered with 19-inch wheels in high-gloss black, five-spoke V design, with eight-piston fixed-caliper brakes and wave discs on the front wheels and four-piston fixed-caliper brakes with wave discs on the rear. Calipers come in gloss-black and wear the R8 logo, but both larger 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers can be ordered as an option.

With Ibis white paint work as standard and an optional bespoke RWS Audi Sport GT stripe design, the R8 RWS has its own distinctive look. It features a dual-branch Audi Sport exhaust system with gloss-black tailpipe trims and a lower side blade each in matching body colour, while the upper side blade is finished in contrasting Mythos black. The Audi Single-frame grille is finished in matt black honeycomb with the Audi Sport badge, while LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are standard, with rear LED lights and dynamic rear indicators.

The R8 RWS boasts a full complement of luxury, connectivity and infotainment appointments in its superbly finished cabin.

Highlights include:

• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
• Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3 inch display
• Audi smartphone interface
• DAB+ digital radio
• Audi music interface with 2x USB ports and charging function
• Heated R8 sport seats with electrically-control height and backrest adjustment
• Black Alcantara/leather upholstery
• Automatic climate controlled air-conditioning
• Door sills with aluminium inlays and R8 emblem
• Multi-function, R8 sport flat-bottom leather steering wheel with shift paddles
• Parking system plus; front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera

The R8 RWS will be available in Australia in limited numbers, arriving in April 2018.

Pricing

*(Manufacturer List Price [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in 12 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2016, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.868 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,457 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,451 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2016 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.3 billion and an operating profit of €3.1 billion. At present, approximately 88,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.