Audi R8 V10 RWD

Editorial

The Audi R8 represents a formula that's rare today: a mid-engine supercar with a naturally aspirated engine, without a single turbo and without a gram of hybrid electronics. The second generation R8 was produced until 2024 and left without a direct successor — the era of big naturally aspirated engines in the supercar segment has ended, and the ten-cylinder Audi became one of its final chords. Within the brand's lineup, this is a flagship that stands apart: not a logo on the hood of one of the models, but a separate, almost handwritten chapter in the history of Audi Sport.

The main thing about this car is the engine. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 responds to the throttle instantly, without turbo lag or filtering layers, revving to the very top with a rising howl and maintaining a directness of connection with the driver's right foot that turbocharged engines almost never offer. The sound is an attraction in itself: from a low rumble in the city to a full crescendo at high revs. At the same time, the R8 is arguably the most user-friendly supercar of its generation: for its everyday-Audi ergonomics, build quality, and clear Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, the press has for years called it "the everyday supercar." The chassis is composed and predictable, requiring no racing-driver qualifications, and it lets you drive quickly right away while revealing its depth as the driver's confidence grows.

In the VertexRent fleet, the specific unit is the rear-wheel-drive V10 performance version: all of the naturally aspirated engine's power goes strictly to the rear axle, with no all-wheel-drive safety net, in the purest form in which Audi ever built the V10 for purists.

In Detail

The unit in the VertexRent fleet is a 2021 model year, V10 performance RWD version, red body, two-seat coupe. The powertrain is a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 FSI rated at 570 hp (419 kW), with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds (per the registration certificate), with a confirmed top speed of 329 km/h.

In practical terms, this means the R8 is equally well suited for event rentals — photo shoots, anniversaries, marriage proposals — and for a genuine test drive before buying a supercar in today's heated secondary market for naturally aspirated V10s. Current rental rates, deposit amount, and mileage limit are listed in the "Sazby" block and in the facts card on this same page.

The format is honest: two seats, a driver and one passenger, and the front luggage compartment holds a weekend bag but not much more. Equipment includes a modern infotainment system with smartphone support, comfortable sport seats, and parking assistance systems — the low silhouette and wide rear end require a certain amount of getting used to on the narrow streets of central Prague, and these systems are especially handy there. The exact specification (adaptive dampers, ceramic brakes, and other options) depends on the specific unit's configuration and is not documented for every item — confirm at booking.

Audi R8 vs Porsche 911 Carrera — supercar or everyday sports car

The main fork in the road at the top of the VertexRent fleet. The R8 is a mid-engine classic: engine behind the driver, two seats, a naturally aspirated V10 with 570 hp, and a sound that makes you roll down the windows in tunnels; acceleration to a hundred is 3.7 seconds, top speed is 329 km/h per the registration certificate. The Porsche 911 Carrera is the opposite school: a rear-engine turbo flat-six, 4.2-second acceleration, 293 km/h top speed, but more versatile everyday usability and a lower deposit than the R8. This is a debate of "maximum emotion" versus "maximum practicality," and by nature it's settled not in the configurator but behind the wheel.

Comparison from the other side: Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé (W205)

What to check behind the wheel if you're considering buying an R8

A supercar should be checked for compatibility with real life, and the R8 fares better here than most of its rivals, but the check is still essential. Start with getting in and out: the low silhouette takes some getting used to, and it's worth practicing this in your own parking spot, not in a showroom. Assess visibility and dimensions in the city — the rear is wide and Prague's streets are narrow. Run the car through your typical day: traffic jams, speed bumps, underground parking — this is exactly where you'll find out whether it's an everyday supercar for you personally. Listen to the V10 at different revs and decide whether you're ready to live with this voice daily, not just on weekends. And try the luggage with your own suitcases, not imaginary ones.

Suggested Route

The R8 calls for roads where the V10 can be heard and cameras are scarce. A near-radius classic is the Berounka valley and Karlštejn: half an hour from the city is enough to see the Gothic landmark above the river and drive combinations of turns where the naturally aspirated engine sings legally. The route continues into the forests around Křivoklát: empty secondary roads and minimal traffic on weekdays. The base daily mileage limit should be budgeted for the compact part of the route with room to spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up the Audi R8 right at the airport?

Yes, car delivery is available throughout Prague, including Václav Havel Airport. The exact handover time and location are agreed upon when confirming the booking.

Is this R8 all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive?

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) — the V10 performance RWD version, confirmed following a final document check. All of the naturally aspirated V10's power goes exclusively to the rear axle, with no all-wheel-drive safety net.

How does the Audi R8 differ from the Porsche 911 Carrera in the same fleet?

The R8 is a mid-engine supercar with a naturally aspirated V10 rated at 570 hp and a top speed of 329 km/h — an event in its purest form. The 911 Carrera is a rear-engine everyday turbo sports car with more modest dynamics (293 km/h) and a lower deposit. Both cars are in the VertexRent fleet, and trying them back to back is the best way to choose.

How much luggage fits in the R8?

Not much: the single compartment up front (there's no engine there — it sits behind the seatbacks) is sized for a small bag or backpack, no more. For supercar event rentals — a photo shoot, an evening out, a short drive — that's enough, but for a trip with a full set of luggage over several days, the R8 isn't the best choice in the fleet.

Can this car be driven outside the Czech Republic?

Yes, subject to approval from the manager — this rule applies to the entire VertexRent fleet without exceptions by model. For a cross-border trip, the deposit doubles from the standard amount (the current figure is in the facts block on this same page). On unrestricted stretches of the German autobahn, the naturally aspirated V10 unfolds exactly as its engineers intended — but the direction and dates need to be agreed in advance when booking.