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Automotive Lifestyle
AUTOS: Audi Unveils Lighter, Faster R8 GT
R8 GT designed to compete in track events while maintaining street drivability.
Bob Golfen  |  Posted May 03, 2010   Ingolstadt (GE)
Audi R8 GT gets aerodynamic refinements that produce more downforce at high speeds without adding drag. (Photo: Audi)
A lighter, more-focused version of Audi’s supercar was unveiled this week, the R8 GT, a V10-powered mid-engine performance car that incorporates technology used in the automaker’s R8 LMS GT3 race car.

Designed to do battle with Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS, the R8 GT uses lightweight materials to shed more than 200 pounds and engine tuning that boosts output to 560 horsepower from 525. The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 198.84 mph, according to Audi.

The rear of the Audi R8 GT is dominated by a unique carbon-fiber wing for added stability. (Photo: Audi)
Audi plans to build just 333 copies of the GT, with pricing expected to come at a significant premium over the $150,000 R8 V10. Each car will come with a badge listing its production number. Production should begin next year with the GT available in spring 2011.

The car is tuned for track performance while retaining its road-going abilities, making it appropriate for club events and track days as well as daily driving. The car can be ordered with a roll bar, four-point seat belts and other racing features.

Weight has been reduced to 3,362 pounds through the use of carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum, with thinner glass, including a polycarbonate rear window in the lightened rear deck lid. Reduced insulation and interior components also lighten the load.

Body refinements produce more down force at high speeds without raising drag, with a carbon-fiber rear wing added for stability. Up front, a unique carbon-fiber splitter is added.

The direct-injection V10 is tuned to deliver 560 horsepower, 35 more than the standard engine. (Photo: Audi)
The direct-injection V10 engine is basically the same as that in the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera with differences in the exhaust system and cylinder heads that are painted red.

The engine power goes to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro drive system with a six-speed sequential R-tronic manual gearbox and a more-aggressive viscous coupling between the front and rear axles. In normal driving, power is split 15 percent to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear. If needed, 30 percent of the power can be transferred to the front wheel in milliseconds.

Braking is performed through internally ventilated carbon-fiber ceramic discs that Audi says are “extremely durable and abrasion-resistant as well as particularly lightweight.”

The suspension has been reworked with firmer spring and shock settings and variations in the camber settings, front and rear, for enhanced handling performance. The electronic stability control gains a sport mode, or it can be switched off.

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