Audi R8 GT3 Race CarMotoring Channel Staff - 28/August/2008 | 
Audi R8 GT3 Race Car
The mid-engined sports car is one the of the
first RWD Audi's that customers can now buy
The wide-body aero kit gives the R8 a tough look
Unless you've got a full pit crew of engineers,
the Audi R8 GT3 race car is probably off-limits
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Ingolstadt, Germany — Audi has done the unthinkable. It's created a rear-wheel drive sports car! Due
to reach customers in 2009, the GT3-spec Audi R8 was created to service
a growing number of customers who want to race the R8 in GT3 class. Audi
had to make a number of modifications to the R8 mid-engined sports car
for it to qualify for the production-based GT3 class, which will allow
it to be used in various international race series. The major
change is the scrapping of the quattro all-wheel drive system and the
installation of a rear-wheel drive setup connected to a new 6-speed
sequential transmission. Audi's motor sports division also
modified the direct injected 4.2-litre V8 engine, which is now capable
of outputting 368kW (500hp), and as the photos show there's a range of
aerodynamic upgrades. This factory-built GT3 racer has large rear
wing, the clearest sign of the Audi R8's GT3 upgrade, and the same goes
for the front apron which has a super-low front spoiler. A
wide-body kit also increases the car's track [and makes it look badass
- Ed] and in addition to the large rear wing the R8's deep motor sport
diffuser helps increase downforce over the rear axle. "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," stated Audi's Head of
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," added Ullrich. The new
factory-built Audi R8 GT3 race car will be first raced in 2009, and
changes to the manufacturing lines will occur over the next few months
at Ingolstadt, Györ and Neckarsulm. Audi's track-only
GT3 racer is an awesome looking machine, and we can only hope a
road-going rear-wheel drive version of the R8, or even a race-inspired
homage sneaks its way into production. Related Links:
- Audi RS6 Sedan (2009)
- Audi A6 (2009)
- Audi A5 (Road Test)
- Audi Vehicle Schedule Leak (2010)
- Audi TT Clubsport quattro (2008)
- Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro concept (2008)
- Audi S3 (Road Test)
- Audi A4 (2008)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)
- Audi RS 6 (2008)
- Audi Metroproject quattro Concept (2009)
- Audi
RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi Q5 (2009)
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