Update: 2015 Audi R8 V10 Competition is the Most Powerful Car in Company’s History

Cars, News I By Winding Road Staff I November 10, 2014

While we thoroughly enjoyed our recent stint with the R8 V10 Plus, we also noted that the first generation of Audi’s supercar was starting to show some signs that it was ready for a major update. With a new second-generation R8 due out next year that will share substantial portion of its underpinnings with the Lamborghini Huracán (much the way the current car shares tech with the Gallardo), Audi saw fit to give the first generation R8 a proper send-off in the form of the R8 V10 Competition – the most powerful production car in Audi’s history.

Set to officially debut later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi plans to make just 60 examples of the R8 V10 Competition for the US market. The 5.2-liter V10 from the R8 V10 Plus is still on hand to deliver the sound and the thrills, and the Competition’s version of that mill gets a 20 hp bump to bring output up to a healthy 570 horsepower. The seven-speed dual clutch S Tronic gearbox will be the sole transmission available in the R8 V10 Competition, and with it, the latest R8 is said to get from zero to sixty miles per hour in a brief 3.2 seconds and top out at 199 mph. Carbon ceramic discs with red brake calipers will also be on hand to reign in the speed when needed.

Cribbing some of the visual flair of the R8 LMS Ultra race car, the R8 V10 Competition will be outfitted with an abundance of matte carbon fiber pieces, including the front and rear spoilers, mirror housings, side blades and rear diffuser. Gloss black wheels and exhaust tips further enhance the menacing demeanor of this rare bird.

Orders for the R8 Competition begin later this month after the car’s official debut at the LA Auto Show, and deliveries should start in early next year. Check out the press release below for more details.

Limited-edition Audi R8 competition to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

– Audi R8 competition is the most powerful Audi production vehicle to-date going 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 199 MPH

– Design and performance elements draw inspiration from R8 LMS racecar

– Limited production of 60 units to be made available in the U.S.

HERNDON, Va., October 28, 2014 – Audi of America announces the debut of the powerful 2015 R8 competition at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R8 competition redefines the iconic R8 as the pinnacle of Audi performance with 570 hp and racing-inspired, lightweight matte carbon elements.

"The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "It is designed for the driving enthusiast and we’re excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S."

The high-performance R8 competition features a 570hp 5.2L V10 mated exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic and a sport exhaust system with black high-gloss tailpipes. This combination results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, making it the fastest R8 ever offered.

The R8 competition is engineered to push the limits, sharing the same naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine as the Audi R8 LMS race car which has won Daytona and Nuerburgring 24 hour races as well as all other major GT races around the globe. The award-winning GT-engine represents the pinnacle of durability, requiring its first major service after approximately 13,000 miles under race conditions or approximately one full race season. Competitor engines require a major service after one 24 hour race.

Further enhancing the unmistakable Audi R8 competition design are striking matte carbon exterior elements consisting of a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, mirror housings, flics, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffusor. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 competition and also provide greater downforce. Gloss black wheels with 305 cross-section rear tires and ceramic brakes with anodized red brake calipers provide a stunning contrast to the matte carbon fiber elements. Inside, drivers will find a matte carbon fiber treatment including the center console and illuminated "R8 competition" door sill inlays. The R8 competition is an Audi exclusive line vehicle, which allows the driver to pair a variety of interior and exterior colors and choose from a selection of wheel finishes for a striking look designed to meet driver needs and tastes.

A total of 60 units will be produced at the R8 production facility in Neckarsulm, Germany. Customers can begin ordering the Audi R8 competition as of early November with deliveries expected as of the beginning of 2015.

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