Limited edition Audi R8 Decennium marks a decade of the R8 V10

Audi has announced a limited-run R8 V10 Decennium edition, which celebrates the R8 V10’s tenth anniversary. Based on the forthcoming R8, the car’s production will be strictly limited to 222 units, of which only ten will make it to the UK. Available to order now, prices start from £171,700 with deliveries commencing in March.

The Audi R8 “Decennium” edition is powered by a version of the long-serving 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10, producing 611bhp and 580Nm of torque. As in the standard R8, power is sent through to a seven-speed automatic gearbox then to a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, with Audi claiming a 0–62mph sprint of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 205mph.

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A few exterior revisions set the R8 Decennium apart from its standard-issue stablemates. Updates include an exclusive “Daytona Grey” paint finish, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon fibre engine intakes, carbon fibre mirror caps, a matte bronze intake manifold and a range of “Decennium” badges.

Inside, the R8 “Decennium” gets a pair of diamond-quilted sport seats, an Alcantara steering wheel, copper-coloured stitching on the door cards and centre console, carbon fibre trim, a new gear selector, a digital instrument binnacle with integrated satellite navigation and a reversing camera.

Additional standard equipment for the ten UK models includes Audi’s “Laser” LED headlights, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and adaptive dampers.

Audi’s R8 Decennium edition launch coincides with the arrival of the new Audi R8. The next-generation model will feature the same 5.2-litre V10 engine in two states of tune. Prices for the 562bhp base-model start from £128,200 for the coupe and £136,890 for the drop-top. Range-topping “Performance” models, with 611bhp, are respectively priced from £141,200 and £149,890.

Do you think the era of the V10 is coming to an end? Let us know in the comments below...