Audi installed the Quattro all-wheel-drive system on the R8, and then, in 2017, it transformed the supercar into a roadster and made it RWD only.
There were a few advantages for a rear-wheel-drive supercar when compared to an all-wheel-drive one. First of all, it didn’t have a front or center differential, nor drive-shafts needed to send power to the front wheels. Thus, it resulted in a decreased weight. Audi thought that a rear-wheel-drive R8 Spyder would attract even more than the regular all-wheel-drive version. So, in 2017, it introduced the RWS (Rear Wheel Series) model.

The R8 Spyder RWS was the least expensive open-top R8 from its times since the customers didn’t have to pay for the front and center differentials. Its bodywork was similar to the regular Spyder, but with a few small different details. It was underscored by the matte black grille of the singleframe and the matte black air openings at the car’s front and rear.

Inside, the R8 Spyder RWS sported the same interior as the rest of the mid-engined Audi supercar, with sports seats fitted as standard. As an option, the carmaker offered bucket seats. Unlike any of its siblings, it featured a badge on the dashboard that stated the car number, such as “1 of 999,” including the coupe versions. The infotainment showed all the information inside the instrument cluster on the Audi Virtual Cockpit TFT display.

Behind the two-seat cabin, Audi installed the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 engine that produced 540 hp. It was paired to a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. The electronic stability control featured a special drift function.