2021 Audi R8 V10 RWD Gets New Panther Edition: Gallery
Any color Audi R8 is looks wicked, but the blacked-out Panther Edition takes it to the next level.
Audi is justifiably famous for the quattro all-wheel drive system which made it a Group B rally legend. But today, one of the most potent race cars wearing the Four Rings — the Audi R8 LMS — actually pipes all the power from its ferocious V-10 solely to the rear. Now, the engineers at Ingolstadt would probably prefer to keep quattro on board, but FIA GT3 regulations forbid all-wheel drive. And rules are rules.
That said? The truncated drivetrain hasn’t stopped the R8 from dominating in its class. So nobody at Audi headquarters is probably complaining too much.
As a nod to the race car, Audi has also offered a rear-wheel drive version of the R8 that’s street-legal. Previously, these beasts were limited-edition models, but starting in 2021, rear-wheel drive is a permanent addition to the R8’s options list. But if you want to score one of the R8 V10 RWD Panther Edition cars? You’re going to have a act fast. Only 30 of these babies are headed to our shores, and given how sick they look, they likely won’t last long.
Performance-wise, there haven’t been any changes to Panther Edition models. That means the 5.2-liter V-10 is pumping out a healthy 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Though since the optional performance exhaust comes standard, it’ll sound meaner than the “base” R8. Top speed remains a license-forfeiting 201 mph, and the sprint from zero to 60 mph will happen in a brisk 3.6 seconds.
The key difference between Panther models and standard R8s is the exterior Panther Black paint, carbon fiber side blades, carbon fiber mirrors, and black 20-inch wheels with red pin stripes. Inside, it’s more black and red, as most of the leather and Alcantara is black, which makes the gorgeous red buckets really stand out. Contrasting red stitching ties everything together.
While Panther Edition cars will command a whopping $40k over the R8’s list price of $145,000, something tell me Audi won’t have any problem unloading them. Because even at that lofty price point, the presence and performance this machine possesses makes it sound like a bargain.
Now, as cool as these photos look, it’s been my experience that black cars don’t photograph particularly well, and I’d bet the subtle contrasts between the various dark bits will make them really pop in person. And given how rare R8 Panther Editions will be? Getting the chance to check one out in person will be special indeed.
So if you happen to see one at your local Audi dealer, Cars and Coffee, or out in the wild, make sure to post a picture on the forum. I’m sure everyone here would love to see how wicked this machine looks outside the confines of the studio. Until then, enjoy the gallery below!
Photos: Audi
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