Audi introduces R8 RWD line with exclusive 2021 R8 Panther and specially tuned chassis

 

Unique to the US market and limited to 30 units, 2021 Audi R8 RWD Panther Edition features unique trim details including 20” milled wheels in matte black with red trim. All R8 Panther editions are treated with Audi exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint and a full Audi exclusive interior.

 

Limited to just 30 coupes, the Audi R8 Panther edition models are the first available units in the R8 rear-wheel-drive model line and feature exclusive interior and exterior design elements. The R8 Panther edition car features a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine that produces 532 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds to achieve a top track speed of 201 mph.

Specially tuned chassis allows for rear-wheel drive application

The first available units in the R8 RWD model line, the chassis of the R8 Panther edition has been specifically adapted for rear-wheel drive, including using solid rear axles as opposed to hollow, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, and an increase in rear negative camber. The electromechanical power steering – free of torque steer – enables precise handling and driver feedback. For a heightened driving experience, the driver can choose “dynamic” mode in the standard Audi drive select and set the Stabilization Control ESC to “sport.”

The R8 Panther edition joins the 2019 RS 5 Panther edition, which was also limited to just 100 available units and featured the same Audi exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint and red stitched interior with Alcantara accents. The 2021 R8 Panther edition is available this month with an MSRP of $183,300. Price excludes $1,495 destination charge, $1,700 gas guzzler tax, sales taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

2021 Audi R8 RWD Panther Edition – Unique design cues

With an Audi exclusive paint color, distinctive interior details, and carbon exterior accents, the R8 Panther edition car makes its unique character clear.

Every R8 Panther luxury car will come standard equipped with Audi’s exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint with carbon exterior mirror housings, 20” 5-double-spoke-dynamic design wheels, milled cut, finished in matte black with red trim, and with summer performance tires.The package includes Audi exclusive full leather black interior with Crimson red stitching, racing shell seats in Crimson red fine Nappa leather with power height and manual fore/aft seat adjustment.

The Sport exhaust system amplifies the full bodied sound of the V10 engine and can be adjusted using the dedicated satellite button on the steering wheel or via the Audi drive select setting.

The exclusive steering wheel is covered in leather/Alcantara with crimson red 12 o’clock marker with four satellite buttons – engine Start/Stop, Audi drive select, Performance Mode selector, and Sport exhaust. Alcantara is also found on the covered gear selector and parcel shelf, and on the diamond stitched Alcantara headliner.

Additional standard features include the Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box (requires compatible smart device) with signal booster, and MMI navigation plus. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is featuring 13 speakers and 550 watts.

The Carbon exterior package adds carbon fiber to the engine compartment and carbon sigma sideblades and carbon interior package adds carbon fiber high-gloss surrounds for both the virtual cockpit and the air vents, as well as the center console.