2015 Audi R8 Competition ready to rock LA

Tue, 28 Oct 2014

The heyday of the first-generation Audi R8 is winding down, and the Four Rings already has a bespoke factory to start building the next model soon. In the meantime, the German brand is sending its supercar off with a bang at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show in the form of this limited-edition 2015 R8 Competition – the most powerful production vehicle ever made by the company.

Audi is earmarking just 60 examples of the Competition for the US, and this is more than just a trim package to say farewell. Power for the supercar comes from the usual 5.2-liter V10 that's massaged to develop 570 horsepower, an extra 20 hp over the already quite potent V10 Plus, and the only available transmission is the seven-speed, dual clutch S Tronic gearbox. The tweaks let this limited R8 rocket to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds and achieve a maximum velocity of 199 mph. To haul that speed to a stop, it also gets ceramic brake disks with red calipers.

Of course, having such a rare supercar means showing off a little. Audi takes inspiration from the R8 LMS Ultra racecar for the Competition and tries to bring some of its details to the street. The model wears matte carbon fiber pieces replacing the rear spoiler, mirror housings, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffuser. For an extra mean-looking touch, it also has high-gloss black paint covering the wheels and exhaust pipes.

The 60 US cars are going through Audi Exclusive so buyers can specify their own specific interior and exterior colors from a long list. In addition, all of them also carbon fiber trim over the center console and illuminated doorsills.

Orders for the R8 Competition begin in November, and deliveries should start in early 2015. Scroll down for the full press release announcing this scarce supercar.

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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By Chris Bruce