2021 Audi R8 RWD scratches the stage with limited edition Panther Edition

Audi unveiled the super-special R8 Panther Edition on Wednesday, which officially kicks off new rear-wheel drive version of the company’s supercar in the United States. The name is a little weird, yes, but the car itself is cool.

Panther refers to the exterior color ̵

1; Panther Black Crystal Effect, to be exact. In addition to the dark color, the Panther Edition gets a carbon mirror housing, matte black 20-inch wheels with red accents, a black-red interior scheme, racing shell seats, Alcantara trim and embroidered floor mats. Other standard equipment includes the R8’s sports exhaust, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, illuminated door sills and more.

Limited to just 30 coupons in the US, each Panther Edition will use the R8’s new rear-wheel drive configuration. The supercar’s naturally aspirated V10 engine produces 532 horsepower and 398 pounds of torque, which Audi says is good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds. A series of small mechanical adjustments help the RWD R8 to maintain finesse on the road, and if there is anything the old R8 RWS, it’s going to be a fucking pleasure.

Look for the 2021 R8 Panther Edition coming to Audi dealers this month, priced from $ 186,495, including $ 1,495 for destination and a mandatory $ 1700 petrol guzzler fee (womp womp). The Panthers will be the first rear-wheel drive 2021 R8 to arrive in the US this year, but do not worry, the standard models will follow in the not too distant future.