The latest evolution of the R8, the V8 Limited Edition, has just been released by Audi AG.  As seen in their promotional video, this is an audiovisual dream come true.  Headlined by its titanium-look painted body and alloy wheels with red brake callipers, this dramatically-styled supercar takes the limelight in this new midnight video clip.  

An upgraded specification level, the R8 Limited Edition has been created to celebrate the phenomenal tenth victory at Le Mans, in the twenty-four hour endurance race. This race was first won by Audi in 2000, of course in the R8 sports prototype. 

The stunning visual aspect of the R8 is enhanced by this special Titanium metallic paint effect as an inclusive feature of the Limited Edition.  Whilst the standard metallic and pearl-effect paint options remain available, it is only on the R8 Limited Edition that the Titanium-effect hue is sprayed.  The distinguishing 19-inch five-arm double-spoke ‘Y’ design alloy wheels complete the look.

Should that not be enough for the most discerning of Limited Edition collectors, a Carbon package is an option.  Featuring carbon sigma side blades, door mirrors, monoposto, inlays, and door sill trims, it also frames the illuminated engine bay with carbon fibre.  This adds to the view of the V8 engine, when seen through the rear window. 

The engine itself is a 4.2 litre 430PS V8 FSI unit.  Limited to 8250 rpm, this allows the R8 Limited Edition to achieve 62mph from standing in 4.6 seconds.  This Audi is available with both manual and R-tronic automated manual gearboxes.  

Standard in the R8 Limited Edition is Audi’s magnetic ride adaptive suspension.  This is a system which uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust the dampers through a varying magnetic charge.   Also found packaged are the ultra-lightweight aluminium and magnesium Audi Space Frame and Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

Inside the car, black Nappa leather upholstery is accented with scarlet stitching.  The instrument cowl and multi-function leather-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel is also cued in red needlepoint.   Red leather is used to finish the knee pads and passenger door handles. As a final tasteful flourish, floor mats feature red trim with a silver R8 monogram.

Entertainment is provided through the Audi Music Interface and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.  Communications are supplied through the satellite navigation system and Bluetooth mobile phone interface, complete with integrated seatbelt microphones.  Interior lighting rounds off the ambience.

This former World Performance Car, as named at the 2010 World Car of the Year awards, the R8 was launched in 2007 in the 4.2 litre V8 Coupe format.  Works and after-market releases since then have seen the R8 available and tuned in any number of ways to suit your preferences.  To prepare you for this final iteration of the R8, a bespoke driving experience on the Silverstone track is part of the Limited Edition, to prepare you to be truly appreciative of this magnificent creation.

The ghost of Christmas Future recently brought some thrilling news for all of us Audi lovers to look forward to over the next two years.  The R8 will be given a facelift this year, with a totally new evolution in 2014.

Given that the R8 is definitely a jewel in the crown of Audi, it certainly makes good sense that some attention and development now be focussed on this supercar. 

The R8 was launched in 2007 in the 4.2 litre V8 Coupe format.  Since then, releases have included the V8 Spyder, the V10 Coupe, the V10 Spyder, and of course the adored R8 V10 GT.   Signatures own V10 Audi has also seen enhancements such as the Milltek exhaust systems, an investments in the R8s tuning and performance.

Such improvements can extend the life of a model, but a truly new facelift late this year will breathe new verve into the R8.  A wholly-new car will be most welcome by the time we celebrate the new year of 2014. 

It is thought that the facelift will truly enhance the leading profile of the car.  This new front end will feature the new Audi headlight design as well as a revised grille.  Not all the changes will be just cosmetic however.  The V8 and V10 engines will be tuned to deliver more power, whilst being re-engineered along the lines of weight-saving measures making use of carbon fibre and other lighter materials.  Further speculation forecasts that the S-tronic dual clutch gearbox will also benefit this car.

The new car in 2014 could come formed in aluminium.  Not only will this offer a stiffer body for improved performance but the new R8 will be considerably lighter, again enhancing its speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption.  Combined with the new engines, this will obviously improve the power to weight ratio dramatically.  The naturally-aspirated V8 engine will eventually deliver 450 bhp.  The V10 version is expected to have an output of 550 bhp.  For those who just cannot get enough power, there may even be a turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 with over 600 bhp.    On the outside there may be redesigned headlights with LEDs.  Even options like a heads-up display could be available.   The next generation may however lose its manual gearbox and sideblades.

Fans will just have to be on their best behaviour to see what comes along in the future.