It seems that with every other passing weekend Audi has something to celebrate in the world of motorsport, such is the brand’s storied history in the world of competition. Ahead of this weekend’s Nurburgring 24 Hours - an event Audi will contest once again with its R8 GT3 - the firm is marking its five overall victories since 2012 with a new special edition called the Green Hell. It gets a few bespoke features to link it with the racing version, including a standard finish of Tioman Green paintwork. Which is rather lovely.
Building on the Mk2 R8, a car that already shares around 50 per cent of its makeup with the GT3 car it was developed alongside back in 2015, the Green Hell edition will be limited to just 50 units worldwide. Each can be had in Ibis white, Daytona grey or Mythos black, should owners prefer that to green, but all will receive a rear deck, A-pillars and roof partially in matt black foil to mimic the racing R8. Each example is also treated to its own number displayed in a matte finish, as well as Green Hell R8 lettering on the model’s signature sideblade and windscreen.
Buyers can add a matt black styling pack which brings paints the front end, sills and diffuser, along with the sideblades, mirror covers and rear wing in the shade. The faces of the 20-inch wheels, five-spoke rims are also painted matt black, with red detailing linking them to the red wheels of the racer. Inside, the link continues with standard fit lightweight bucket seats Alcantara trim. The steering wheel is also wrapped in the material, contrasted by the red central, while dash top, armrests wear Alcantara too. To contrast it all, there’s blue-green stitching, while the instrument panel, door pull handle and door rail get red piping. Oh, and the floor mats get Green Hell lettering.
Sadly, there’s no free pass for a lap of the actual ‘Ring, but at least the 620hp V10 just over the shoulder will be entertaining enough. It remains capable of sprinting the all-wheel drive R8 from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds and onto a 205.7mph top speed, and is used largely unchanged in the racing car, barring restrictors to bring its performance closer to the class average. The road V10 remains the more potent offering, albeit within the softer and heavier surroundings of a street legal machine.
If you want one, firstly, don’t hang about, and secondly, you’ll need 233,949.59 euros if you’re German. We await confirmation from Audi UK as to whether or not the car will be offered here; certainly there is no question regarding Britain's appetite for the R8 - almost no matter its cost. Either way, don’t be surprised to see all 50 slots taken before the chequered flag falls at the Nurburgring this Sunday.
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