In pictures: new Audi R8 V10 RWS

Revealed for the first time, the new Audi R8 V10 RWS

Audi Sport has just launched a new lightweight version of the R8 V10 that drops the quattro four-wheel drive system of the standard model in favour of a new rear-wheel-drive set-up mirroring that of the R8 LMS race car.

Unveiled at a reception on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show, the new R8 V10 RWS - standing for Rear-Wheel Standard drive - will be produced in a limited run of 999 examples in both coupé and open-top Spyder bodystyles. The order book for the new model is planned to open during the fourth-quarter of 2017, with deliveries due to get underway early in 2018

“The R8 V10 RWS is made for purists - a limited edition model for customers with an appreciation for essential driving enjoyment,” said Audi Sport chief Stephen Winkelmann. "With a V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the street."Power for the R8 V10 RWS comes from the same mid-rear-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine used by the R8 V10 quattro, and it produces 532bhp at 6800rpm and 398lb ft at 6500rpm.

Losing the propshaft and drive system within the front axle saves 50kg, endowing the coupé version of the new Audi Sport model with a kerb weight of 1590kg and a corresponding power-to-weight ratio of 335bhp-per-metric tonne.By comparison, the 1640kg R8 V10 quattro coupé boasts 324bhp-per-metric tonne.

Despite this, the rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 RWS can’t match its four-wheel-drive sibling for acceleration. Its claimed 0-62mph time of 3.6sec is 0.2sec higher than that of the R8 V10 quattro in coupé form, but at a claimed 199mph, the new model matches the R8 V10 for top speed.A series of subtle styling changes help to differentiate the R8 V10 RWS apart from the R8 V10 quattro, including a matt black grille insert and air vents up front. The upper section of the car’s so-called sideblade is finished in gloss black, with the lower section in body colour – like that seen on the R8 LMS GT4. Buyers can also specify as a cost option a visual package consisting of red stripes across the bonnet, roof and rear in the coupé.

The R8 V10 RWS comes with standard sport seats in leather and Alcantara, and also receives an emblem denoting its build number.The chassis and steering system of the RWS has been reworked in line with the switch to rear-wheel drive, and it rides on standard 19in wheels featuring 245/35 front and 295/35 rear tyres.The R8 V10 RWS is priced at €140,00 for the coupé (US$168,000 & £128,000) and €153,300 (US$184,000 & £140,000) for the Spyder in Germany. UK & US pricing was not available at the time of writing.