- Most performance-oriented production Audi R8 ever
- Full range of Audi Sport performance parts
- Carbon-fiber aero kit increases downforce
- Only 10 will be built
- Priced at $239,900
Audi’s mid-engine R8 sports car has had a good long run since it was first introduced in 2006. Now, Audi is keeping the fires stoked with the new R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package, a lightened new model with increased downforce. Only 10 of these potent R8s will be sold in the U.S., priced at $239,900 (a price that includes a destination charge of $1,250 and a gas-guzzler tax of $1,300).
For an example of how Audi has trimmed some weight off the R8, consider this: The Ingolstadt company has switched to titanium backing plates for the carbon-ceramic brake pads, which saves 2.2 pounds. Also, a move to 20-inch wheels like those on the R8 GT4 racecar trims another 26.4 pounds.
Other Competition-package specifics: The aggressive-looking full carbon-fiber aero kit that doubles the downforce at 150 km/h (93.2 mph) compared to the R8 V10 plus Coupe without the package. Moreover, at the top track speed of 196 mph, the downforce on the new R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package is increased by 220.5 pounds, to 551.2 pounds, for added high-speed stability. The drag coefficient of this latest R8 also is better — 0.32 versus 0.36.
All 10 of these special new Audi R8s will be equipped identically, each boasting Suzuka Gray paint, black racing seats with red stitching, black exterior trim, Dynamic steering, and a full-leather interior with a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Other hardware includes 3-way adjustable coil-over suspension, an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, carbon-fiber shift paddles, and 20-inch wheels shod with summer tires, plus the aforementioned aero kit and titanium-backed brake pads.
The new Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package goes on sale in November.
