Audi to unveil limited-edition R8 competition car at L.A. Auto Show

Audi will bring a limited-edition R8 to the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, one that highlights the strengths of the dramatic, mid-engine sports car that has been around since 2007.

With a naturally-aspirated V-10 engine making 570 horsepower, all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, Audi says its new R8 competition is the most powerful production car it has ever built.

“The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world,” said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America. “It is designed for the driving enthusiast and we’re excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.”

The car can do zero-60 mph runs in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 199 mph, Audi said. That’s just a scootch faster than the R8 V-10 Plus coupe we tested last year.

Other upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a sport exhaust system, a bevy of matte carbon fiber trim pieces (fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, side-view mirrors, center console, and side blade behind the doors) and unique gloss-black wheels and tailpipes.

As Keogh mentioned, only 60 of these units are destined for the United States. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but based on the $183,000 starting price of the V-10 Plus, don’t be surprised if this R8 competition hits $200,000 as fast as it hits 60 mph.

This special edition will be just one of Audi’s planned debuts for this year’s L.A. Auto Show. The company also intends to unveil a new concept car that points to its future design direction, as well as the TTS coupe and roadster.

The 2014 L.A. Auto Show is open to the media Nov. 18-20, and then to the public Nov. 21-30.

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