Audi is working on a facelifted R8, but that hasn’t
stopped the company from introducing the R8 V10 Plus Coupe Competition package. Billed as the most
“performance-oriented production R8 model ever produced,” the special edition
comes equipped with all of the components offered by Audi Sport performance
parts. As a result, the car has an aggressive carbon fiber body kit which
includes a front spoiler, flics and side skirt extensions. Other carbon fiber
goodies include a fixed rear wing and a sporty rear diffuser.
The carbon fiber body kit isn’t just for looks as
Audi says it significantly increases downforce. At 150 km/h, the R8
Competition produces twice as much downforce as the standard model and at its top
speed of 315 km/h the car produces 250 kg of downforce
which is 100 kg more than the mainstream variant.
The car is also lighter than the standard R8 V10
Plus Coupe as the Competition package adds 20-inch milled wheels which draw
inspiration from those used on the R8 GT4. The wheels save 12 kg of
weight and titanium backing plates for the carbon ceramic brake pads reduce
another 1 kg.
Audi declined to mention performance figures, but
the R8 V10 Plus Coupe has a 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine that produces 602 hp and 559 Nm of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed
dual-clutch transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system which enables the
model to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 330 km/h. Of course, as we’ve already mentioned, the R8 Competition
has a slightly lower top speed of 315 km/h.
The R8 Competition will arrive at U.S. dealers next
month and pricing starts at US$ 237,350 excluding a US$ 1,250 destination charge and
a US$ 1,300 gas guzzler tax. That means the model carries a significant premium
over the R8 V10 Plus Coupe which begins at US$ 194,400.
Only ten units will be available in America and each
will come equipped with a Suzuka Gray exterior and the Black Optic exterior
package. The latter adds a black grille
surround and black accents for the air intakes and outlets.
Inside, drivers will find an Alcantara-wrapped
steering wheel with carbon fiber paddle shifters. There are also black shelled racing seats
with black leather upholstery and red contrast stitching. The model also has
the full leather package and a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Rounding out the highlights are a three-way
adjustable coilover suspension and a dynamic steering system.
