Audi Sends Off U.S. Market 2012 R8 Coupe with New Exclusive Selection Special Editions

Customers in the States who can’t or don't want to wait for the cosmetically refreshed and mechanically updated 2013 Audi R8 to arrive early next year, now have the option of two new limited production versions based on the current 2012MY R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes named Exclusive Selection Editions.

Audi says only twenty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 vehicles and thirty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 vehicles will be produced solely for the U.S. market.

A 4.2-liter unit rated at 430hp and 316 lb-ft of torque powers the V8 model of the Exclusive Selection Edition series. It debuts a Daytona Gray matte exterior finish complete with carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19-inch titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers.

The German supercar's interior sports a special leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, carbon fiber trim décor, leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel along with a standard Bang & Olufsen Sound System and Navigation with the Audi Music Interface.

The 525hp 5.2-liter V10 model is featured in an Ibis white exterior with a contrasting Brilliant Black finish for the sideblades, exterior mirrors, and rear license plate surround as well as R8 GT tail lamps and 19-inch bi-color e-tron wheels.

The cockpit is dressed in black leather with Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrast stitching, with carbon fiber trim bits making their appearance throughout the interior. Additional features include exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel.

Both the V8 and V10 coupes can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic 6-speed R tronic transmission, which will be replaced by a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission in the 2013 model.

Detailed pricing for the new special edition R8s follows right below.

MSRP Pricing:
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 manual transmission - $137,700
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 R tronic transmission - $146,800
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 manual transmission - $161,500
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 R tronic transmission - $170,600

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