Audi bids farewell to R8 V10 with limited-run GT RWD

As electrification continues to take over the automotive industry, automakers are taking notice and are applying the technology to more and more vehicles. From humble sedans to stylish crossovers and even luxury SUVs, electrification is the way forward to lessening carbon emissions while also delivering more power to customers.

But where does this leave internal combustion for vehicles such as sports cars and supercars? For Audi, the era of ICEs is nearing its end. With the company focusing more on hybrids and e-tron electric vehicles (EVs), the good ol' supercar will have to adapt and evolve. However, this doesn't mean Audi will just abandon one of its most famous cars to date, the R8 V10.

To give the supercar a proper send-off, Audi has revealed the 2023 R8 V10 GT RWD. Limited to only 333 units worldwide, this particular model will serve as the final hurrah for the R8 powered by internal combustion. From its namesake, it gets the 5.2-liter TFSI V10 that cranks out 620 PS along with 565 Nm of torque. Compared to the base RWD version, the GT RWD makes 50 PS more along with an extra 15 Nm of torque.

Power is then sent to the rear wheels via a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that Audi claims can change gears faster. It can sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h. The quattro version is still faster going to 100 km/h at 3.1 seconds, but the GT RWD is still fast for a 2WD R8.

Helping the limited edition R8 GT RWD achieve those fast figures comes down to a drop in weight. It now weighs 20 kg lighter thanks to 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires, ceramic disc brakes, bucket seats, as well as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) stabilizer bar for the front axle.

Design-wise, Audi made some subtle yet neat changes to make the R8 GT RWD stand out. The signature four rings are now painted black while an aerodynamic carbon fiber body kit ensures the vehicle cuts through the wind cleanly. It also gets a blacked-out rear wing that helps provide downforce when the need arises. Last but not least, this particular R8 will be painted Matte Suzuka Gray as a nod to the original R8 GT. However, customers can choose to have it painted in either Daytona Gray or Tango Red.

Inside, the R8 RWD GT gets a black interior along with red accents which serve as another throwback to the 2010 R8 GT. There will also be an individually-number plaque below the gear selector which will remind owners they are in something special (and limited).

Looking to get one for yourself? The Audi R8 V10 GT RWD is now available with a price tag of EUR 225,000 in Germany. It will also be arriving in US dealerships soon but with only 333 models to be made, better act fast before all examples are spoken for.