Audi Japan has announced minor updates to its flagship sports car, the R8, in both its "Coupe" and open-top "Spyder" variants. Simultaneously, a special edition model, the "R8 Decennium," limited to 222 units worldwide, was unveiled. Deliveries for both are scheduled to begin in December of this year.

The "R8," which underwent a model change to its second generation in 2016, has now received a minor update.

Along with this minor update, the engine has also been enhanced. For both the Coupe and Spyder, the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine has been boosted to a record-breaking maximum output of 620ps and a peak torque of 580Nm, delivered through a 7-speed S tronic transmission to the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Torque is distributed automatically based on driving conditions, with the capability to send 100 percent of the torque to either the front or rear wheels in extreme situations. Furthermore, Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology, which deactivates one bank of cylinders under low load, has been adopted. Combined with a coasting mode that disconnects the engine from the drivetrain when the accelerator pedal is released, environmental performance has also been improved.

The frame utilizes a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber (CFRP) to achieve both weight reduction and increased rigidity. All suspension arms are made of aluminum, and the suspension features Audi magnetic ride. Carbon-fiber ceramic brakes, offering excellent fade resistance and reducing unsprung weight, are available. The car is equipped as standard with newly designed 20-inch wheels.

The exterior has also undergone a bold evolution. A sharper styling is achieved through a lower and wider Singleframe grille and vertically split front side air inlets. At the rear, an air outlet spans the full width of the body, and large, oval exhaust pipes are integrated into the dramatically designed rear diffuser.

In the Coupe, the side blade is split into two sections around the side windows, and in the Spyder, a side blade is fitted near the air intake, emphasizing its mid-engine sports car identity.

The interior presents a sportier impression, featuring a monoposto design inspired by Formula 1 cars. A 12.3-inch TFT display is integrated into the instrument cluster, with the virtual cockpit, which combines functions such as the Driver Information System (DIS) and map display, equipped as standard.

The price for the Coupe is 30.01 million yen, and for the Spyder, it is 31.46 million yen.

Audi has also announced the "Decennium" special edition, a name derived from the Latin word for "decade," to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine used in the R8.

Based on the R8 Coupe model, this special edition features a Daytona Gray matte effect body color combined with a gloss black styling package, and includes special equipment such as dynamic steering.

Inside, the "Decennium" logo is featured on the center console and doors, and it is equipped with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with a 550W amplifier and 13 speakers.

Production is limited to 222 units worldwide, with only 10 units allocated to Japan. It will be available in left-hand drive, and the price will be 30.91 million yen, a 900,000 yen increase over the base model.