- Audi’s R8 nearing the end of its life
- This generation of supercar soon to be no more
- Bows out with new V10 GT RWD edition
Pour one out for the Audi R8, as Ingolstadt has signalled the end of its epic supercar for this generation. As a leaving present to itself and the most devoted of R8 acolytes, Audi has created a new, limited edition version: the V10 GT RWD.
Audi’s creating 333 examples of this track-ready V10 model that’s had the performance book thrown at it. It’s 20kg lighter than the V10 Performance RWD, with bespoke forged red-accented wheels, lightweight bucket seats and a carbonfibre anti-roll bar fitted. The ‘carbon aerokit’ includes a bespoke front splitter and dive planes, as well as a fat rear wing. Inside, Audi’s included extra flashes of red to link it to the last R8 GT model from 2010.
This is also the most powerful rear-driven car Audi’s ever made. The classic naturally-aspirated V10’s power output has been boosted to 612bhp and is mated to a more aggressive seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that can handle the extra shove. On top of that, though, Audi’s engineers have added a ‘Torque Rear’ drive mode in the new GT’s software; much like the RS3 in which the mode debuted, it allows the GT to slide controllably. So much so that the traction system has seven degrees of slippage, similar to McLaren’s Variable Drift Control.
Only 333 are being made, with 15 confirmed to be coming to the UK.
RIP R8.
Will Audi replace the R8 with a new one?
Given Audi’s confirmed to be joining Formula 1 in 2026, it seems a bit awkward to not have a super-sports car in its future portfolio. But CAR’s sources indicate that this is still, even after so many years and so many theorised ideas, up in the air.
Intel suggests that options include a BEV option using the new Volkswagen Group’s SSP platform that’ll underpin everything from EV superminis right up to electric supercars. Or Audi could tap into Lamborghini’s Huracan replacement, expected to arrive as a V8 plug-in hybrid in the years to come. But it’s still unconfirmed.