After the 710HP Audi R8 V10 we told you about earlier this year, American aftermarket specialists at STaSIS Engineering introduced to the UK another upgrade for the German sports car, albeit this time for the V8-powered model. At 540HP, the Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition has 120 more horsepower than the standard V8 model and 15 more horsepower than the V10 factory version. STaSIS says the car also features an upgraded suspension response and handling abilities.

The increase in power is due mainly to the fitting of an Eaton / Magnusson TVS 1900 supercharger, but also to an independent charge cooler system and an ECU remap. The force-fed V8 now pushes out 540 horsepower and 435 lb-ft (590 Nm) of torque, up from 350 lb-ft (475 Nm).

STaSIS also added a stainless steel, cross-flow exhaust system with reduced back pressure for improved power and efficiency. To improve handling, the car features lower springs while retaining the factory-installed “Drive Select” system. Other changes include larger brakes and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels fitted with high performance low profile tires.

The 28% power boost combined with an increase in weight of only 15 kilograms (33 lbs) over the stock Audi R8 V8, offers improved acceleration figures with 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) coming in 3.6 seconds, 0.8 seconds faster than the factory model. It is also faster than the standard V10 version, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

The STaSIS Challenge Extreme Edition R8 V8 is available to buy as a complete package or as separate individual upgrades from the UK STaSIS agent network and from APS of Brackley. Prices have not yet been announced.

By Dan Mihalascu