Old Audis used to have really short and straightforward names like 80, A6, A8 TDI, etc. But the engineers started letting marketing people do all the talking. The result is a constant barrage of letters and words that are supposed to evoke power or efficiency.
One example would be the 2017 Audi Q7 e-tron quattro TDI Plug-in Hybrid, and it's starting to affect their racing programs. 'Audi R8 V10 plus selection 24h' is an awkward name for a gorgeous car that just made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The "plus" part means that you get the best version of everyone's favorite German Lamborghini. This includes a 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine with 610 horsepower, AWD, and a twin-clutch gearbox.
What's unusual about this particular R8 is the multitude of aero elements that cover every nook and cranny. Most of the fresh parts are made from carbon fiber that you can check out.
Also unique to this car is a special paint job with R8 24h markings. Mirroring the paintjob of the endurance racer it's supposed to celebrate, the 24hr features a light gray coat, black accents, and subtle red stripes down all the bottom panels.
Black painted wheels and special puddle lights that appear when you open the door complete the exterior package.
Audi will build 24 of these to celebrate the success of its R8 LMS GT3 model in motorsports. Inside, the serial number is displayed on the illuminated door sill panels, while other interior trim panels also feature a glossy carbon look.
Unfortunately, no changes have been made to the 5.2-liter V10, which means the claimed 0 to 62 time of 3.2 seconds and 205 mph top speed are still valid. But to make it a little more appealing, various options have been moved to the standard features list. These include dynamic steering, adaptive magnetic dampers, and laser lighting.
Of course, that last part doesn't apply if you plan on buying one in the US, where laser headlights are illegal.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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