Lithe and fast as it may be, many Audi R8 owners are probably of the opinion that their steeds may look out of place on a racetrack…not anymore.
By Gareth Dean
Audi has marked its first foray into the realm of the FIA’s GT3-class race events with a track-only racing version of the R8.
This project, codenamed the “R16”, has been on Audi’s agenda for some time now. In fact, head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich, claimed that the company has been “…inundated with enquiries enquiries about a race version ever since the R8 was unveiled. With this R8 we will offer customers a racing sports car equipped with the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”
So, what does a GT3-modified R8 entail? Well, the standard car’s 4,2-litre V8 engine has received a shot in the arm to the tune of an additional 60 kW, taking the overall output to 369 kW. This unit is mated with a new six-speed sequential gearbox. Perhaps the biggest mechanical change the R8 has to undergo is a switch from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, in accordance with FIA GT3 stipulations.
The suspension set up has been carried over from the road-going R8, but the GT3 car rolls on a set of racing-spec wheels. Externally, an aerodynamics package comprising a modified front end and a large rear-wing, help generate the required down-force for track duties.
The cars are scheduled to enter production at the company’s Györ plant in Hungary, with delivery to customers in taking place next year.
