The Audi R8 II Spyder (4S) 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic represents a high-performance iteration of Audi’s flagship sports car, produced from 2017 to 2018. Positioned as a premium offering within the second-generation R8 (4S) lineup, this variant distinguished itself through its rear-wheel drive configuration (RWS), potent 540 horsepower V10 engine, and the quick-shifting S tronic dual-clutch transmission. It served as a more focused, driver-centric alternative to the standard all-wheel drive R8 Spyder, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a more visceral driving experience. The 4S generation marked a significant evolution for the R8, moving to a dedicated platform and incorporating advanced materials and technologies.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | R8 |
| Generation | R8 II Spyder (4S) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.2 FSI V10 (540 Hp) RWS S tronic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 19.2 l/100 km (12.3 US mpg, 14.7 UK mpg, 5.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 12.6 l/100 km (18.7 US mpg, 22.4 UK mpg, 7.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 286 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 317 km/h (196.97 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.1 kg/Hp, 321.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 321.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 540 Hp @ 7800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 103.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 6500 rpm (398.28 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DKAB |
| Engine displacement | 5204 cm3 (317.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 10 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 24.7 l (26.1 US qt | 21.73 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1680 kg (3703.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 112 l (3.96 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4426 mm (174.25 in.) |
| Width | 1940 mm (76.38 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2037 mm (80.2 in.) |
| Height | 1245 mm (49.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1638 mm (64.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1599 mm (62.95 in.) |
| Front overhang | 994 mm (39.13 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 782 mm (30.79 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | Front: 245/35 R19 or 245/30 R20; Rear: 295/35 R19 or 305/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 8.5J x 19 or 8.5J x 20; Rear: 11J x 19 or 11J x 20 |
INTRODUCTION
The Audi R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic, launched in 2017, represented a significant departure for the R8 lineage. While previous generations primarily focused on all-wheel drive, this variant embraced a rear-wheel drive layout, harkening back to the original R8’s spirit. Built on the 4S platform, shared with the Lamborghini Huracán, the Spyder body style offered open-top motoring without sacrificing the performance credentials of the R8. The “RWS” designation specifically denoted the rear-wheel drive configuration, and the S tronic transmission provided exceptionally quick and precise gear changes. This model was produced for a limited time, ending production in 2018, making it a relatively rare and sought-after variant.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic lies the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, designated the DKAB engine code. This engine is a marvel of engineering, featuring direct fuel injection combined with multi-port manifold injection for optimal combustion efficiency and power delivery. The engine boasts a high compression ratio and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s architecture is longitudinally mounted in a mid-engine configuration, contributing to exceptional balance and handling. The S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is integral to the car’s performance, offering near-instantaneous shifts and precise control. Unlike a traditional automatic, the S tronic utilizes two separate clutches, one for odd gears and one for even gears, allowing for pre-selection of the next gear for seamless transitions.
Driving Characteristics
The rear-wheel drive configuration of the R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic dramatically altered the driving experience compared to its all-wheel drive siblings. While the AWD R8 offered immense grip and stability, the RWS variant provided a more engaging and challenging driving experience, demanding greater driver skill and precision. The power delivery from the 540 hp V10 is exhilarating, with a broad torque curve peaking at 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft). The S tronic transmission’s quick shifts complement the engine’s responsiveness, allowing for rapid acceleration. The gear ratios are tuned for both spirited driving and comfortable cruising. Compared to the standard R8, the RWS model exhibited a slightly looser rear end, making it more prone to oversteer, but also more rewarding for experienced drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic came standard with a comprehensive suite of features befitting its premium status. Interior appointments included fine leather upholstery, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a driver-focused cockpit design. Standard equipment also included Audi’s virtual cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a premium sound system. Optional extras included carbon fiber trim, upgraded leather packages, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Spyder’s convertible top was a fully automatic soft top, providing open-air enjoyment with minimal compromise to structural rigidity.
Chassis & Braking
The R8 II Spyder’s chassis is constructed from a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), resulting in a lightweight yet incredibly rigid structure. The suspension system utilizes coil springs, double wishbones, and transverse stabilizers at both the front and rear, providing excellent handling and ride comfort. The braking system features ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The RWS variant benefited from a revised suspension setup optimized for the rear-wheel drive configuration, including adjustments to the stabilizer bars and damper settings. ABS (Anti-lock braking system) was standard, enhancing safety and control during hard braking.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. Reviewers praised its exhilarating performance, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interior. The rear-wheel drive configuration was lauded for adding a new dimension of excitement to the R8 experience. Compared to the all-wheel drive R8 Spyder, the RWS variant offered a more raw and visceral driving experience, but at the expense of some all-weather capability. Fuel economy, as expected for a high-performance V10 engine, was relatively poor, with combined fuel consumption of 12.6 l/100 km (18.7 US mpg). Reliability has generally been good, although maintenance costs can be substantial due to the complexity of the engine and transmission.
Legacy
The Audi R8 II Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 RWS S tronic occupies a unique position in the R8 lineage. Its limited production run and distinctive rear-wheel drive configuration have made it a desirable collector’s item. The DKAB V10 engine is renowned for its durability and performance, and the S tronic transmission has proven to be a reliable and efficient gearbox. In the used car market, these models command a premium price due to their rarity and the engaging driving experience they offer. The RWS variant demonstrated Audi’s willingness to cater to driving enthusiasts and explore different performance philosophies within the R8 family.
