The last “R8” is now available in Japan only
A Japan limited edition model that marks the final chapter of the mid-engine sports “R8” equipped with a high-revving 5.2L V10 engine has appeared. The “Japan Final Edition”, which has only 8 units, is a unique existence that combines “the beauty of Japan” with the exterior.
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Flagship supersport with 5.2-liter V10 engine
In December 2023, Audi announced the R8 Coupé Japan final edition, the final limited edition model of the R8 in Japan. Only 8 units will be limited to Japan, and the price of the vehicle itself will be 35.08 million yen. The steering is right-hand only.
The R8 is a mid-engine sports company produced by Audi Sport GmbH, which produces Audi’s racing models and high-performance models such as RS.
The first model appeared in 2006 as a production version of the Le Mans Quattro concept car, which was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was introduced in Japan in 2007.
It has an aluminum body with an Audi space frame structure, is equipped with Audi’s signature 4WD (quattro), and is equipped with a 4.2L V8 naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output of 420ps, and a 5.2L V10 naturally aspirated engine was added in 2009.
The current model, the second generation, was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and introduced in Japan in 2016. The concept of a mid-engine layout with a 5.2-liter V10 engine in a body based on an Audi spaceframe structure has been inherited.
By the way, the maximum output of the high-revving 5.2L V10 engine is 525ps when the first generation appears, 540ps and 610ps (R8 V10 Plus) when the second generation appears, and 620ps for this limited model. The first generation of the Audi space frame was also made of aluminum, but in the second generation, aluminum and CFRP are combined.
Coordination of white, red, and gold in line with Japan tradition
As the R8 enters its final chapter, this limited edition model “combines overwhelming performance with Japan’s aesthetic sense, and was created for Japan customers as a limited edition model of only eight units.”
The body color is Ibis White matte with a soft taste, and the caliper of the ceramic brake is glossed red to create the gorgeousness of Japan’s ancient red and white.
At the feet, matte bronze polished 20-inch 5-evo-spoke design wheels are installed to express gold, which is another theme color. By combining these colors of white, red, and gold, which are common to the Japan tradition, we enhanced the special feeling that it is exclusive to Japan. In addition, by adopting the Audi rings package, the exterior is finished with carbon parts to make it even more stylish.
The interior is luxuriously tailored by Audi exclusive, a custom-made program. It is based on black and unified in a two-tone color using alabaster white.
Fine nappa leather is used for the sports seats, and Alcantara is used for the headlining. In addition, the door sill trim is engraved with the serial number and the words “JAPAN FINAL EDITION”, subtly claiming that it is a special model.
Purchasers will receive a special memorial plaque. This is done using a program called VIN Art for European owners, which creates a unique image of the car by entering the chassis number. The only metal portrait frame in the world engraved with the chassis number of the purchased model will be presented.
AMW Nomikata
The Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracan of the same Audi group are siblings of the previous generation and the current R8. The Huracán is also entering the final chapter of the model, but there is no talk of a Japan limited model being released. In 2012, at the end of the model year, Gallardo LP560-4 Bianco Rosso was sold in 10 units limited to Japan. The Huracan seems to be selling well even at the end of the model, so it may not have been necessary to release a limited edition model in Japan. That means the R8 is …….
