This is not the first time Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer makes two-wheel-drive versions of its otherwise AWD R8 sports car. In 2017, it released 999 previous-gen R8s with the drive on the rear axle. Starting soon, 2WD will become a valid option for the entire R8 range.
The model still comes equipped with its old 5.2-liter V10 mated to a seven-speed DAG transmission. However, while the Quattro packs 570 hp (425 kW) alongside 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, the RWD offers only 540 hp (400 kW) with 540 Nm (398 lb-ft).
The newcomer sheds 65 kg (143 lbs) of weight compared to the Quattro, but still lags noticeably behind in terms of sprint performance (0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds vs. 3.4s of the Quattro). The manufacturer also warns us that the top speed drops from 324 km/h (201.3 mph) to 320 km/h (198.8 mph). The Spyder version runs the sprint in 3.8s and maxes out at 318 km/h (197.6 mph).
As you will probably agree, the differences are minimal, and there are some obvious advantages as well. One is the tweaked RWD system, which now supports several stabilization modes and lets you drift easier than ever. Another is the pricing, which starts from €144,000 in Europe, as opposed to the €166,000 minimum asking price tag of the R8 V10 Quattro. A RWD Spyder will set you back €157,000, while the Spyder Quattro comes at a €22,000 premium.