The Lexus LC had a starring role in Black Panther, but that hasn’t stopped Audi of America from creating a black panther of their own. Known as the 2021 R8 Panther Edition, the model features blacked out badging and a Panther Black crystal effect paint job that has a dark purple hue when viewed up close. The car has also been equipped with carbon fiber mirror caps and 20-inch wheels which feature a matte black finish as well as red accents.
Other highlights include LED lighting
units, a sports exhaust system and the carbon exterior package. The latter adds
carbon sigma sideblades and carbon fiber trim in the engine compartment. The
unique styling continues in the cabin as designers installed an Audi exclusive
full leather interior with crimson red stitching. The red theme is echoed on
the “racing shell seats,” which are covered in crimson red Nappa leather.
Buyers will also find a leather /
Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a diamond stitched Alcantara headliner, and
special floor mats with R8 embroidery as well as crimson red leather piping.
Other niceties include illuminated door sill plates, a 13-speaker Bang &
Olufsen audio system, and a carbon fiber interior package which adds the
lightweight material to the center console as well as the air vent and
instrument cluster surrounds.
Motivation is provided by a naturally
aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 532 hp and 540 Nm of torque. It’s connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. Audi says this enables the
coupe to run from 0-96 km/h in 3.6 seconds, before hitting a top
speed of 323 km/h.
The R8 Panther Edition will be available
at select dealers later month and pricing starts at US$ 183,300 – excluding a US$ 1,495 destination charge and a US$ 1,700 gas guzzler tax. Production will be limited to 30 units and
the model will be exclusive to the United States.
