Meet Audi's racecar inspired R8 special

The Audi R8 may not have long for this world, but it’s intent on going out with a bang rather than a whimper. Meet the R8 Competition, another special edition sports car following the stripped-out GT and laser-lit LMX.

In fact, think of it as an LMX for the US market. That sadly means no lasers. It does use the same 562bhp tune of 5.2-litre V10 engine, though, driving all four wheels through Audi’s slick S-tronic paddleshift gearbox.

Yep. Despite its motorsport vibes, and styling inspired by the rear-drive R8 LMS racing car, the Competition sticks with Quattro all-wheel drive. Still, that does help yield an exceedingly brisk 3.2sec 0-62mph time, while the top speed is a healthy 199mph.

As well as a 44bhp rise over standard, the Competition gets plenty of racecar-inspired styling flourishes. Note the fixed carbon rear wing, carbon dive planes and gloss black alloy wheels, behind which sit carbon ceramic brakes. And just in case you’ve forgotten what you’ve bought, there are door sill plates which illuminate ‘R8 Competition’ as you clamber aboard.

The Audi R8 Competition will debut at the LA motor show in a couple of weeks, when orders for the 60 US cars will be taken. We imagine it won't take long. Venerable the R8 may be, but it's still rarely been bettered.