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Adrian PatonAudi R8 GT3
August 28th 2008 04:55
Audi Motorsport boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich has launched the company's sport program by offering customers the chance to buy a hardcore racing car for the first time ever with the release of a GT3 version of the R8 coupe.
The purpose-built R8 GT3 is endowed with a RWD drivetrain (regulations prohibit the use of AWD) and a tweaked V8 engine delivering more than 368 kW (500 hp) from the modified V8 engine. A newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox has been developed to transfer all that power to the rear wheels while the suspension will feature components that are exclusive to the production line.
As with other race cars of this calibre, the Audi R8 GT3 features the obligatory aerodynamic upgrades - wide bodykit, gaping front air dams, large GT rear-wing etc.
"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport program,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version.”
Available for order from September 2009, the R8 GT3 will be able to participate in a host of national and international race series. And more importantly, as your own private track warrior.
The Official Audi Press Release:
Audi develops race version of the R8
- Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar
- First races planned for 2009 season
- Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out
Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.
The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.
The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).
[Source: Audi]
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