Race is on to buy Audi’s limited edition R8 coupe

As limited edition models go, they don’t come much more exclusive than the latest offering from Audi.

Just five Audi R8 V10 plus coupe models featuring the full Audi sport performance parts package will come to the UK – and each will cost £176,560.

With motorsport-proven enhancements to give the 610ps normally aspirated V10 engine an even freer rein, the special R8s are being described as racing cars for the road. They come with a carbon fibre aero kit and lightweight 20in milled alloy wheels.

The special edition R8 has a large rear wing and diffuser, side skirts incorporating the Audi sport logo and aerodynamic elements behind the rear wheel arches to focus airflow.

At the front, the car has more pronounced air inlets, a deep splitter and sculpted canards reminiscent of those fitted to the first-generation Audi R8 GT. The effect is that at 205mph this R8 generates

250kg – over 100kg more than the standard R8 V10 plus.

Inside, the sports steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara with a red 12 o’clock marker, while features such as the Audi smartphone interface, a rear-view camera and the Audi R8 sport exhaust are also added. There is also a fully digital virtual cockpit.

Only 44 examples are being offered worldwide by Audi Sport.