The sporting life for Audi R8 enthusiasts

DEVOTEES of the Audi R8 in the UK will have just five chances to secure a particularly special Audi Sport Performance Parts version of the acclaimed supercar that will be the most capable and focused to date.

The new Audi Sport Performance Parts R8 comes with enhancements that significantly increase downforce and further pare back weight to give the 610PS V10 an even freer rein.

Just 44 examples of this pinnacle of R8 performance are being offered worldwide by Audi Sport, of which five will come to the UK in right hand drive form. Each example is priced at £176,560 on the road, and all feature the same specification.

An aero kit gives a harder edge to virtually every facet of the car, most notably the rear where a large fixed rear wing and diffuser with red elements dominate, while side skirts incorporating the Audi Sport logo and special aerodynamic elements located behind the rear wheel arches focus airflow. At the front there are more pronounced air inlets, a deep splitter and sculpted canards reminiscent of those fitted to the first generation Audi R8 GT.

All aerodynamic elements contribute to a significant increase in downforce; at 205mph, the R8 generates 250kg, over 100kg more than the standard R8 V10 plus. At 93mph the effect is more pronounced, with the aero kit doubling downforce to 52kg.

Fully milled multi-spoke black 20inch wheels save up to 8kg in weight to significantly reduce unsprung mass. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with a 245/30 profile upfront and 305/30 profile at the rear.

A lightweight three-way coilover suspension setup is also fitted for full adjustability on road and track. Ceramic brake discs fitted to the front and rear feature a titanium backing plate to further reduce vehicle weight and work with specially enhanced brake pads.

Inside, the exclusive Sport contour steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara with a red ‘12 o’clock’ marker.

Features such as the Audi Smartphone Interface, a rear view camera and the Audi R8 sport exhaust are also added to the lengthy equipment list.

Only five Audi Performance Parts R8s are on offer in the UK