Audi R8 LMS: Motor Sport Machine

Motoring Channel Staff - 13/March/2008

Ingolstadt, Germany — We first reported on Audi's hardcore motor sports version of the R8 in August.

We couldn't resist posting another story about the vehicle now that it's being delivered to race teams across the globe.

Costing €262,000, or about $516,421 in local currency at the time of writing, a dozen builds of Audi's R8 GT3 will be delivered over the following weeks.

Powered by a 5.2-litre V10 engine, the vehicle is destined for a number of teams competing in European GT3 championships, and the rules stipulate that no 4WD vehicles are allowed.

That would normally rule the Audi R8 out of contention, but this fully homologated version features a rear-wheel drive powertrain.

The first customer of the race track-only R8 is a team in Italy, who will get the highly sought-after '101' numbered chassis.

Some six teams are planning to race the R8 GT3 in five different European GT3 championships, where it will line up against Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches. 

The motor sports Audi R8 is also being prepped for the grueling 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. 

Audi Sport has created an endurance LMS version of the R8 GT3 which will test the vehicle's reliability and staying power.

However Audi has stated in the past that only privateer team will race the new models. "The factory itself does not plan to enter any races with the new GT3 car," said Audi in a media statement.

Outputting more than 500 horsepower or 368 kilowatts, the GT3 sports car is a sight for sore eyes, boasting a wide body kit and a huge rear wing.

The factory-built R8 GT3 racer gets an aerodynamic front apron as well, which incorporates a super-low front spoiler. 

There's also a large rear diffuser helps smooth out the airflow underneath the vehicle.

"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.

Related Links:
- Audi TT RS (2009)
- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi Sportback Concept (2009)
- Audi R8 V10 5.2 Model (2009)
- Audi A5 (Road Test)
- Audi A5 Cabriolet (2009)
- Audi A7, A8, R8 Roadster (2010)
- Audi A1 Sportback Concept (2008)
- Audi S4 (2009)
- Audi TT Clubsport quattro (2008)
- Audi S3 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi R8 GT3 (2009)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)