2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe Competition Is The Most “Performance-Oriented” R8 Ever

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 93.2 mph (150 km/h), the R8 Competition produces twice as much downforce as the standard model and at its top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h) the car produces 551.2 lbs (250 kg) of downforce which is 220.5 lbs (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 26.4 lbs (12 kg) of weight and titanium backing plates for the carbon ceramic brake pads reduce another 2.2 lbs (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 (448 kW / 610 PS) and 413 lb-ft (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 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). Of course, as we’ve already mentioned, the R8 Competition has a slightly lower top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h).

The R8 Competition will arrive at U.S. dealers next month and pricing starts at $237,350 excluding a $1,250 destination charge and a $1,300 gas guzzler tax. That means the model carries a significant premium over the R8 V10 Plus Coupe which begins at $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.