This singular, unusual Audi R8 Plus sports doesn’t only come with the considerable price tag of $470K; in order to enjoy the privilege of ownership, you must take part in a raffle to qualify. The one-off, 610-horsepower, bespoke vehicle is a promotional item representing a collaboration between the Volkswagen group and Square Enix, a Japanese company specializing in video game development and publishing. The two companies unveiled the car in 2016, dropping hints at eventual consumer availability.
The car is called ‘Star of Lucis’; the promoted media is ‘Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV,’ the latest feature-film entry in the company’s game-and-anime series, developed as a continuation of the popular Final Fantasy franchise. The CGI-animated movie, which features the voice of Sean Bean, was released this year and, though praised for its visual appeal, received mixed reviews for its story, and somewhat convoluted plotline.
The car is a combination of high drama, pop-cultural referent and automotive concept. Cosmetically it feels gothic, its high-gloss black enamel accented with an Arabesque design that makes it look a bit baroque. And, it features custom rims emblematic of its namesake Lucis, the fantastical world of the series, as well as a distinctive, custom grille-plate. Altogether, it’s an interesting piece of roadworthy pastiche.
Mechanically, the car is a powerhouse, with the 610 aforementioned horses available in the accelerator through a massive, 5.2L V10 engine—the same engine as the R8 Plus. The transmission is seven-speed. The R8 is designed on a Lamborghini platform.
The raffle for the opportunity to buy takes place on November 21st, in Japan.
