2019 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe Competition Package

It's time for another Audi R8 Special Edition. The new SE, called the R8 V10 Plus Competition Package, receives a bundle of parts from the Audi Sports bin, included in part to help the supercar shed weight and improve its aerodynamic performance. Production is limited to just ten units, all of which are earmarked specifically for the U.S. market. Each unit of the R8 V10 Plus Competition Package costs $237,350. The special edition R8 arrives in dealerships in November 2018.

2019 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe Competition Package

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: 2019 Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupe Competition Package
Engine/Motor: V10
Horsepower: 602
Torque: 413
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What makes the Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe Competition package special

If you look at the Audi R8 V10 Plus Competition Package, you’re not going to see any significant changes other than the carbon fiber aerodynamic kit from Audi Sport. Even then, some of you will probably wonder if those parts were already there in the first place.

First, let’s start with the obvious. The carbon fiber aerodynamic kit from the Audi Sport parts bin includes a front spoiler, flics, side sills, a fixed rear wing, and a rear diffuser. Individually, the pieces stand out on the R8 V10 Plus, the spoiler most notably. But they’re more than just aesthetic add-ons, too. They play as big a part in improving the driving dynamics of the R8 as they do in enhancing the supercar’s already vexxing design. Speaking of aesthetics, Audi also added a black optic exterior package on the R8 V10 Plus. The black grille surround is a part of this package, as are the front lower air inlets and the rear air outlets. Rounding off the exterior upgrades is an exclusive color — Suzuka Gray — and a new set of 20-inch milled-cut wheels finished in matter black and wrapped in summer tires.

Somewhat surprisingly, the interior of the R8 V10 Plus Competition Package benefits from an extensive list of upgrades, as well. That’s not normally the case with past Audi SEs, but Audi dressed this special edition up to the nines. The black racing shell seats, for example, comes with red contrast stitching. The cabin also comes with a full leather package, which includes dressing up the upper and lower dash, as well as the door and side panels, with premium leather. Alcantara also makes an appearance, most notably on the steering wheel, which, by the way, also comes with a 12 o’clock market. Oh, and don’t forget about the carbon fiber pieces, either. It’s difficult to notice them sitting behind the steering wheel, but the R8’s shift paddles are made from the lightweight material.

The Audi R8 V10 Plus Competition Package boasts no engine upgrades. As such, you can expect the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine that produces 602 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The supercar is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 seconds in just 2.6 seconds with a seven-speed transmission in tow. The big upgrades in the R8’s mechanical department come in the form of a three-way adjustable coilover suspension and a performance brake pad upgrade with titanium backing plates that save the R8 2.2 pounds.

With all these upgrades in place, the real winners here are the R8 V10 Plus’ weight and the amount of downforce it can generate. In addition to saving 2.2 pounds from the titanium backing plates on the ceramic brake pads, Audi also shed 26.4 pounds from the new set of wheels. The inclusion of the aero kit also improves the supercar’s downforce, doubling to 114.6 pounds (52 kilos) at 93.2 mph (150 kmh) compared to the “standard R8 V10 Plus Coupe. Downforce also increases by a staggering 220.5 pounds to 551.2 pounds when the R8 V10 Plus Competition Package hits 196 mph. In case that sounds confusing, the increase in downforce means a more enjoyable car to drive around race tracks. Add the drag coefficient benefits of the kit — improved from 0.42 to 0.36 — and you’re looking at a special edition Audi R8 V10 Plus that’s primed and ready to tackle America’s track circuits.

Each unit costs $237,350, excluding the destination charge ($1,250), gas guzzler charge ($1,300) taxes, title, and possible dealer charges.