The Type 4S is based on the Modular Sports System platform shared with the Lamborghini Huracán.

The body is lighter and stiffer, due to the substitution of several large aluminium parts in the shell by carbon fibre.

Unveiled at the 2017 International Motor Show Germany, the R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series) is the rear-wheel-drive variant of the Audi R8 limited to 999 units.

Other mechanical changes include gasoline particulate filter on all models, the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, larger carbon-ceramic brakes, and a new steering rack system for a more direct response.

Above the grille, three small horizontal air intakes are present between the headlights for improved airflow harking back to the famous Audi Quattro.

Side skirts finished in exposed carbon fibre now flank the sides of the car and at the rear, a single wide grille is now present beneath the taillights joined by an aggressive diffuser and two round dual exhaust tips in exposed and sculptured cut-outs.

[15] The R8 e-tron was fitted with two electric motors mounted on the rear wheels having a power output of 462 PS (340 kW; 456 hp) and 919 N⋅m (678 lb⋅ft) of torque.

The car features custom rear spoiler, wheels, and various body panels decorated with symbols associated with the Kingdom of Lucis.

Notable changes include 20-inch alloy wheels and engine cover in Bronze finish, aerodynamic elements finished in gloss black, specially developed matte Daytona Grey body colour, black Alcantara/leather interior upholstery with carbon fibre trim and diamond stitching and Decennium badging.

It also comes with features formerly reserved for the Performance model, such as a carbon fiber front sway bar, magnetic ride, variable ratio steering, and sport exhaust system.

[23][24] In December 2020, the R8 Panther Edition was announced to introduce the RWD model line in the United States market.

A new race specification V10 engine develops a peak power output of 430 kW (577 hp; 585 PS).

The removal of the standard all-wheel-drive system and the intelligent mix of materials such as aluminum in the Audi Space Frame (ASF), a structural CFRP component and the steel roll cage alone make the chassis about 30 kg (66 lb) lighter, now weighing 252 kg (556 lb).

Although the combination of the materials in the R8 LMS is more complex, Audi has managed to integrate the manufacturing process for production and race cars even more closely than before.

In a new manufacturing facility at the Bollinger Hofe industrial park in Heilbronn, Quattro GmbH produces both variants in combination.

Although the race car, for example, is fitted with aluminum cast joints and a steel roll cage the racing chassis of the R8 LMS remains integrated into the basic production process up to and including the stages of the roof assembly and cathodic dip painting (CDP), which is a form of priming.

The new aerodynamic concept of the Audi R8 LMS for the first time includes a fully lined underfloor and a conceptually integrated rear diffuser.

The airflow rate and cooling area of the radiator at the front have increased by ten percent to handle maximum outside air temperatures.

Audi has achieved these improvements despite the significantly higher constraints imposed on aerodynamics design by the 2016 regulations.

The car was available for customers to buy as new, or as an evo kit for pre-existing Audi R8 LMS models.

[34] Audi Sport introduced a version of the R8 for GT4-class racing at the 2017 New York International Auto Show held in April.

[39] In 2023, a road legal version of the R8 LMS GT2 was creating by German racing team and tuner Abt Sportsline, called the XGT.

Australian automotive publication Car Advice praised its daily usability along with its modern design and technology but criticised the lack of a manual transmission and an affordable V8 model.

[41] British magazine Autocar tested the standard V10 FSI coupé and praised its naturally aspirated engine and agile handling.

However, the publication favoured the high performance Plus variant more stating that the cost difference between the Plus and the standard model with options was simply too slim.

The publication gave the verdict: "Audi sends its mid-engined flagship in search of supercar scalps, and largely succeeds - even if rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo provide greater driving limits.

"[42] US automotive magazine Car & Driver tested the V10 plus and praised the aggressive design language with less radical "sideblades" along with quick acceleration and the engine noise but criticised the unavailability of some features on the US market cars such as magnetorheological dampers and laser headlamps.