There are no plans for rear-wheel-drive variants of Audi Sport models, despite the recent introduction of the R8 V10 RWD.
The German maker changed the name of its performance arm from Audi Quattro to Audi Sport in 2016 in order to better encompass its sporty portfolio and to remove confusion with the Quattro four-wheel drive system offered on all Audis, sporty or otherwise. It was also thought to open the way for front- and rear-wheel-drive variants of RS models.
A move to rear-wheel drive would help enable lower emissions for the Audi Sport line-up, alongside introducing electrified variants, as the pressures of tightening emissions legislations are felt across the company.
However, Rolf Michl, Audi Sport's sales and marketing boss, said: “We have used rear-wheel drive in the latest R8. But normally, Quattro is part of our heritage. It means safe, agile and competitive driving.
“I don’t hear any different views [from people] on this, even with electrified versions in the future. We’ll stay with our approach: Quattro is a major part of RS models.”
Talking about the broader future of the R8, which has long been in question, Michl said: “The R8 is one of the most important cars in our portfolio and for the entire Audi brand. It’s a real brand-shaper.”
He continued: “Audi Sport is committed to the R8, and we’re doing everything to get a concept for the future. The R8 shares much with the race car, which proves the competitiveness of the car and a clear commitment, but it has to fit future expectations and is therefore a complex decision.”
Audi Sport boss Oliver Hoffmann has previously confirmed to Autocar that the next-generation R8 will be electrified, but a decision is yet to be taken on whether it will be hybrid or fully electric.
Autocar understands that Audi is leaning towards the latter option, with the R8 becoming the second electric Audi Sport model after the E-tron GT RS, which is due in the next 12 months.
Read more
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A bit of a non story, seeing
A bit of a non story, seeing that none of Audi's platforms other than that for the R8 are RWD anyway
Shame....
That's a shame Audi insist on quattro for their RS models. On all but the R8, quattro is a haldex based system that only ever sends power to the rear wheels when the fronts lose traction. Sure, it's efficient but you've basically got a heavy FWD car 95% of the time.
Having driven quattro and FWD audi TTs I can honestly say I'll stick with the FWD.
RWD series would inject a bit of driving fun that Audi is missing right now. They're safe but also lack character and they're all understeer machines.