Wednesday 29th October 2014

Audi USA launches R8 Competition

The R8 bows out in style with 570hp limited edition

---

'Competition' is an odd moniker for a new car. The implication is of race inspired track heroes, ready to compete as it were. But the reality has often been a little more tame. Most notably with BMW's 'Competition' packages on M cars and the Competizione spec Abarth 500s. Nice things but perhaps not entirely befitting of the name.

It's not a competition car without flics. Fact

Now there's an Audi R8 Competition (or competition, depends which part of the press release you read) and, wouldn't you know, there's much discussion about motorsport: "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", so says Audi USA's president Scott Keogh.

So rear-wheel drive, much lighter and paddleshift only, right? Well, one of them applies. The R8 Competition has a 570hp version of the 5.2-litre V10, mated only to the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. As the most powerful production R8 ever, it's capable of 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and 199mph.

Audi claims the carbon fibre elements dotted across the car 'lower the weight of the R8 Competition and also provide greater downforce'. However, given actual figures for both are absent they are presumably very nominal improvements. Over an R8 V10 the Competition has a fixed rear wing, diffuser, front flics and spoiler in the expensive black stuff. It's plastered across the inside too, along with 'R8 competition' (lower-case 'c' this time) illuminated sills. Of more interest on the carbon theme will be standard ceramic brakes.

Audi will sell 60 R8 Competitions in America, with orders being taken from early November . As an 'Audi exclusive line vehicle' the customer will be able to pair all manner of exterior colours and wheel finishes 'for a striking look designed to meet driver needs and tastes'. Uh oh. We'll see the results early next year when the first Competitions arrive in America.

[mrclav]

Right, so that's the current model out of the way - where's the new one?

[TobesH]

I know, I know but there is a similarity, isn't there. Hadn't noticed it before. I guess it shows what a fabulous design the R8 is, it still looks fresh.

[Mr Noble]

The R8 has indeed aged very well. Residuals are very good too. Solid car.

Amazes me that people buy these "end of production" models while knowing that the all new model is only a few months away.

It'll surely depreciate like a stone once the new one lands........?

[Mini 360]

Mr Noble said:

It'll surely depreciate like a stone once the new one lands........?

Like all new cars. Until they realise the new one will likely be turbocharged heavily to comply with EU emissions and want to go back to the super limited edition runout model. Look at 911 GT3 RS 4.0 prices......

[P4ROT]

I don't think PH should make too much of grammatical errors/mistakes...

[hondansx]

Would hardly compare an R8 to a GT3 RS!

A mate of mine but an 'old' Range Rover Sport about a week before the new one came in. He was over the moon, he had a fully kitted out car for about £20k less than list.

I would hold on for the new model too, but if you're not a real car person, it's still a very desirable car and you even with this R8 Competition, i imagine a decent discount can be had.

[PhantomPH]

TobesH said:

I know, I know but there is a similarity, isn't there. Hadn't noticed it before. I guess it shows what a fabulous design the R8 is, it still looks fresh.

No. No there isn't. Unless by 'similar' you mean they are both silver cars. Then yes.

[soad]

mrclav said:

Right, so that's the current model out of the way - where's the new one?

Too early yet. They're working on a diesel engine.

[red997]

an R8, of any variant, is hardly the same as a 4.0 GT3!

a good solid choice of car though - wonder how far the prices will plunge when the 'new' replacement model is released ?

[RenesisEvo]

Looks like diveplanes are fast becoming the latest 'because race car' tinsel for the hard of thinking.

[ChocolateFrog]

Mr Noble said:

The R8 has indeed aged very well. Residuals are very good too. Solid car.

Amazes me that people buy these "end of production" models while knowing that the all new model is only a few months away.

It'll surely depreciate like a stone once the new one lands........?

Quite often the reverse is true.

GT3 RS 4.0
360 Stradale
430 Scuderia

Even normal cars if it's a genuinely special car. Mk 1 Focus RS

[Oddball RS]

Mini 360 said:

Mr Noble said:

It'll surely depreciate like a stone once the new one lands........?

Like all new cars. Until they realise the new one will likely be turbocharged heavily to comply with EU emissions and want to go back to the super limited edition runout model. Look at 911 GT3 RS 4.0 prices......

What because the 'new' GT3 is blown?!?!?!? there is no 'new' GT3 RS yet.

[MyCC]

There's a real demand for last of the line NA cars simply because their turbo/super-charged successor will not have the perceived character. The 458 Speciale is likely to be the last NA V8 Ferrari so will hold its value well & prob increase in time assuming they don't make too many, it is not a special edition after all; despite the name!

Regards,

MyCC.

[mrdemon]

Poor review

we have the R8 LMX with the laser lights and the same 570BHp which is not allowed in the USA

this car is the same spec as the LMX but no laser lights. (which was missed on PH !! )

Both cars are based on the R8 V10 PLus which is 50KG lighter than a R8 V10.

please try harder in future reviews....

Edited by mrdemon on Wednesday 29th October 13:05

[Krikkit]

mrdemon said:

Poor review

we have the R8 LMX with the laser lights and the same 570BHp which is not allowed in the USA

this car is the same spec as the LMX but no laser lights. (which was missed on PH !! )

Both cars are based on the R8 V10 PLus which is 50KG lighter than a R8 V10.

please try harder in future reviews....

Edited by mrdemon on Wednesday 29th October 13:05

It's not a review... But point made!

[DB9VolanteDriver]

Mr Noble said:

The R8 has indeed aged very well.

I agree. It has not gotten any uglier over time.

[Mini 360]

hondansx said:

Would hardly compare an R8 to a GT3 RS!

Either would I as they are totally different leagues of car. Just an example of prices going up due to rarity and desirability of run out models.

Oh and I know there is no new 991 GT3 RS, but I didnt say there was. People need to learn to read comments properly.

Edited by Mini 360 on Wednesday 29th October 15:14

[redroadster]

PhantomPH said:

No. No there isn't. Unless by 'similar' you mean they are both silver cars. Then yes.

advisable appointment with spec savers.

[NelsonP]

ChocolateFrog said:

Quite often the reverse is true.

GT3 RS 4.0
360 Stradale
430 Scuderia

Even normal cars if it's a genuinely special car. Mk 1 Focus RS

Good game:
Integrale Evo 2
E30 M3 Sport Evo
Impreza RB320
Focus RS500

I'd love an R8. The NSX of this decade. Shame I've got bills to pay!

[IMI A]

think i'd just have a normal manual Plus. The rear spoiler looks max power / Halfords as do the carbon bits. fail