Audi USA is asking for time on the basic version of the R8 quattro. The 562 hp mid-engined supercar will drop from range across the pond, but not without the occasion marking.
A limited edition model has been created, the production of which is limited to 30 units, such as an exhaustion special, featuring various bits and pieces normally reserved for the R8 Performance. You get a carbon fiber front stabilizer bar, adaptive dampers, dynamic steering and a sport exhaust, all fitted as standard.
Exterior trims include ‘alu-optical’ mirror caps, red painted brake calipers, and carbon fiber trim for the underside of the car, engine compartment and side blades. Of the 30 examples produced, 25 will be coupes. 15 of these will be finished in Mugello Blue with pastel silver trim, five in Avus Silver with black trim and red stitching, and five in Sonoma Green with red stitching interchanged for gray. The five Spyders will all be mugello blue on the outside and pastel silver on the inside. The coupe starts at $ 186,000, while the Spyder costs $ 195,900.
Once all of this is gone, performance may not remain the only R8 option in the United States. Judging by an EPA document collected by the Motor Authority, it appears that the R8 RWD will arrive in the country in the form of a coupe and Spyder, making it the new entry point for the range. Sounds like fair trade to us.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the base quattro does not appear to be in danger of being abandoned. Despite being significantly sold by the Performance, a spokesperson for Audi UK told us there are no plans to ditch the less powerful all-wheel drive model, which is still for sale alongside the RWD and Performance.
