Exterior design and body

The new Audi R8 V10 RWS is 4.42 meters (14.5 ft) long and 1.94 meters (6.4 ft) wide both as a Coupé and as a Spyder. With the cabin positioned a long way forward, the elongated rear and a wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.7 ft), from the very first glance, the vehicle proportions clearly illustrate the technical concept of this mid-engine sports car. Its characteristic design details include sharp lines and edges, as well as a two-section side blade. This is intersected by the continuous shoulder line, which emphasizes the taught lines of the body. The upper side blade (on the Coupé) is painted in glossy black, while the lower blade is the same color as the vehicle.

Large air inlets with vertical fins and LED headlamps flank the wide, low, single-frame grille, which has a three dimensionally sculpted look. Honeycomb grilles in matte black accentuate the puristic appearance of the new R8 variant.

On request, Audi can deliver LED headlights with laser spot. These double the range of the high beam. This option also includes dynamic turn signals in front; these come as standard in the LED tail lights. The look at the rear is dominated by the diffuser and the matte black ventilation grille of the engine compartment.

The aluminum fuel cap features embossed lettering. When the driver opens it, he or she can insert the fuel nozzle directly into the fuel pipe like a racing car without having to unscrew a cap. The optionally available racing stripe of the Audi R8 Coupé V10 RWS is inspired by the Audi R8 LMS GT 4 – it is Misano Red and runs along the bonnet, roof and rear section.

Lightweight construction: Audi Space Frame (ASF)
For the Audi R8 Coupé V10 RWS, the curb weight (without driver) is limited to 1,590 kilograms (3,505.3 lb). That is 50 kilograms (110.2 lb) less than the Audi R8 Coupé V10 with quattro drive, which requires additional components compared to the rear-wheel drive variant, such as a cardan shaft, multi-plate clutch and front-axle differential. The decisive factor in the consistent lightweight construction concept is the body, which features an ASF (Audi Space Frame) design. 

Thanks to a multi-material mix, this weighs only 200 kilograms (440.9 lb) and comprises 79% aluminum and 14% CFRP.

Spyder: Convertible top open in 20 seconds
The lightweight soft top of the Audi R8 V10 RWS Spyder (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.6–12.4 (18.7–19.0 US mpg), combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 286–283 (460.3–455.4 g/mi))tapers into two fins. These stretch the fabric so that it harmonizes perfectly with the athletic design of the high-performance sports car, in much the same way as the CFRP hood compartment does. An electrohydraulic drive opens and closes the soft top in 20 seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph). The rear window, which is lowered into the bulkhead, can be retracted and extended electrically.

The R8 Spyder V10 RWS weighs 1,680 kilograms (3703.8 lb) (curb weight, without driver), 40 kilograms (88.2 lb) less than the R8 Spyder V10.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.