Audi introduces 2021 R8 Panther Edition in the US

KUALA LUMPUR: Audi UK has introduced the 30 unit limited R8 Panther Edition. Priced at USD 183,300 (approx RM 746,856), i.e., USD 40,600 (RM 165,388) costlier than the base R8 RWD model. Quite a considerable sum, right? Well, for all that extra money, Audi is offering an ample amount of extra features.

The outer body benefits from the brand's exclusive Panther Black paint that comes with a crystal effect. Building on it are all-black Audi badges, carbon-fibre ORVM caps, and 20-inch five-double spoke wheels finished in matte black and red trim.

Courtesy to the carbon-fibre package, the R8 Panther Edition displays a lot of the element all-over, both inside and out. Included in the list are -

• Engine components
• Slide blades
• Air-vents surrounds
• Virtual cockpit surrounds
• High-gloss carbon centre console surrounds

Part of the R8 RWD standard equipment kit are LED lighting units all-around (headlight, turn indicators, & taillight), sport exhaust, an MMI navigation plus infotainment system, Audi smartphone interface & phone box, 550-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, and 13-speakers.

Step inside and you'll see the car wrapped premium material like the black leather surrounds with contrast red stitching, embroidered floor mats with contrast stitching, Alcantara-covered gear knob and parcel shelf, and the headliner with diamond-stitched Alcantara. The steering wheel features leather and Alcantra cover and comes with a quick-reach button, 12 o'clock marker, and exclusive features.

Open the hood and a 5.2-litre V10 naturally-aspirated mill will greet you. Paired with a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gear that sends power to the rear wheels, this unit makes 532 hp and 540 Nm of torque. These tunings help the R8 RWD touch the 96 kmph mark in 3.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 323 kmph.

Would you like to see the Audi R8 Panther Edition in Malaysia? Though the chances of it happening are rare, there is no harm in hoping.

Also Read: Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback received updates for 2021