The Rs don't need an "AWD" badge because that is the only way they come. Earlier years one could buy AWD or RWD Rs. That's no longer the case. AWD P450s still have the "AWD" badge as do the older V6 engined F-Types. As previously stated, unless the vehicle was ordered with badges deleted or removed. I can't speak to the I4 F-Types. As you can see from the photo of my wife's 2018 R-Dynamic (i.e. 380hp V6) it has the "AWD" badge.

 

Nothing wrong with your belief!

 

I think the easiest way to tell is to punch it. I recently purchased an AWD model after testing several RWD models, and the RWD models all were a handful when the tires broke loose. My AWD type R just takes off like a scalded bandit with almost no wheel spin at all. Peals your face off in the process...

 

While your method would certainly work, looking at the hood vents is really the easiest way.

 

I too believe so. My 2016 was RWD. However, I noticed that, in addition to the different placements of hood vents and slightly indistinguishable hood shapes, the lower rear valance panels on the V6 varieties are very different. AWD is like that on my wife's 2018 and RWD is like on the attached.

 

Those were optionally available independent of driveline.