The Audi R8 is living its final days of glory. The Germans are dismissing the model but give it the chance to go down with a bang. A Final Edition is now available in Japan.
This is the end for the naturally aspirated V10-powered sports car. After several special editions in the US and Europe, Audi is rolling out one for the Japanese market. It is the Audi R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition. The model that debuted in the Land of the Rising Sun is specifically designed to become collectible. Only eight such units will be made to say goodbye to the iconic car.
Each of the eight limited-run R8s will be painted in matte Ibis White and will ride on 20-inch five-spoke wheels in matte bronze with contrasting gloss red calipers for the ceramic brakes.
Mirror caps in carbon fiber, a carbon fiber front spoiler lip, and side blades round up the looks of the R8. A rear wing, air diffuser, and side skirts, all in carbon fiber, are also on the menu. The badges that the R8 wears are all in black.
The cabin comes in a white-and-black combo. There is black Nappa leather covering the seats, with the bolsters in Alabaster White and matching diamond stitching, while black Alcantara wraps the headliner.
Photo: Audi
Furthermore, the door sills of the sports car are individually numbered for each of the eight units, right next to the 'Japan Final Edition' lettering. Each of the models will be accompanied by a commemorative plate with the VIN number, which confirms the exclusivity of the car.
What sets the R8 Final Edition in motion is the same mid-mounted naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, which generates 612 horsepower (620 PS) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. The V10 is linked to the seven-speed s tronic gearbox which steers output and torque to all four wheels.
The Audi R8 Final Edition starts at 35,080,000 yen, which translates to $246,930 at current exchange rates. The R8 follows in the footsteps of another model that was discontinued by Audi, the TT.
The Germans built the last of the TTs in November. Rumors unconfirmed by the carmaker claim that it might return as an EV or, even more surprising, as an electric crossover. It probably won't take long before such rumors will also target the R8. Audi is reportedly working on a bespoke electric vehicle architecture for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars.
The Audi R8 made its debut in September 2006 at the Paris Auto Show and entered production that same year. Audi keys the R8 going for 17 years, over only two generations. At first, there was a 4.2-liter V8 engine involved, but Audi soon ditched it for V10 power.
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