2013 Audi R8 V10 China Edition

TopSpeed

By Kirby Garlitos

Published Dec 4, 2012

Image courtesy of Audi

We totally get why automakers from all over the world are suddenly falling over themselves trying to get some love in China. After all, it’s already the world’s largest auto market and the wide diversity of buyers in the country has given automakers of all levels opportunity to establish themselves and gain some footing in the market.

For its offering, Audi->ke14 decided to build an R8 V10 China Edition specifically for this purpose. The car is limited to only 80 units and comes in a choice of two colors: Malibu Blue Body/Suzuka Grey Sideblades or the inverse Suzuka Grey Body/Malibu Blue Sideblades. Look at the photos and it’s easy to be enamored with the color choices Audi decided to use on the R8 China Edition.

In addition to the color choices, the R8 China Edition also makes prevalent use of ultra-light and high-strength carbon fiber. Both the R8’s body -- the carbon matte fixed spoiler -- and the interior are decked in carbon fiber, making for a true special edition model that lives up to the “special” designation. Rounding out the modifications for the 80-unit R8 China Edition is a set of 19-inch, high-gloss black wheels in a 5 twin-spoke “Y” design, further stamping the uniqueness and exclusivity of this special-edition supercar.

The interior of the R8 also strengthens its billing as a special edition. It includes the characters “R8 专享” to go with the model number embedded on the aluminum gear lever knob. Notice also that any number with a “4” on it has been removed to "respect the cultural habit of Chinese customers,” as it is considered unlucky – like the number 13 in the U.S., but intensified.

Adding to the supercar’s luxury swag are materials that include shark skin and colored stitching, the handbrake and steering wheel are wrapped in Alcantara, and the instrument shield is finished in carbon matte. Finally, R8 emblems also adorn the interior of the supercar, particularly on the dash and the aluminum door sill trims.

The entire cost of the R8 China Edition hits at 2,628,000 yuan, which is around $420,000 based on current exchange rates.