Van-:
I get it, I have a dozen track days on the first version of the R8, appreciate the Quatro. But when comparing to other rear wheel drive performance sports cars; the GTR AMG, GT2 RS, GT3 and RS, 488, 720s, 675, the new Vantage, Portifino, Pista, ZR1... then the question begs how could this RWS be any less effective? Seriously, with that in mind, what do you think. I have my reason why I can't consider the Quattro, doesn't relate to performance. thanks
Mostly for track usage, I would always go with the Porsche 991.2 GT3 or GT3 RS.
I see two issues with the RWS: Usually no ceramic brake (not even sure it can be optioned) and the standard brake isn't really a highlight and the lack of Cup tires for the car. Not even sure if Audi tested the RWS on Cup tires because they don't seem to be optional like on the Quattro model. Not sure though, maybe they are.
I think that skilled amateur drivers like me profit more from the AWD than from the RWS model (also considering the fact that the chassis hasn't been changed much and the R8 V10 Plus is still lighter than the RWS, something many RWS owners seem to overlook).
Bottom line is: The RWS is a fine car, especially from a collector's point of view but it is what it is, a marketing ploy to improve R8 sales. If Audi would have been serious about track performance, they would have done more things with the chassis and they would offer the optional (for the R8 AWD models) Cup 2 tire for the RWS (maybe they do, I don't have a clue).
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991.2 Carrera GTS Cabriolet (2018), Audi R8 V10 Plus (2016), Mercedes E63 S AMG Edition 1 (2018), Mini JCW (2015)