Audi Offers Race Ready R8's To The Public

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).

B7FAN - 8/27/2008 11:50:29 AM

-9 Boost

ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....whatever not impressive to me....may be nice on track but not for street use

Neverfollow - 8/27/2008 12:34:34 PM

+7 Boost

I doubt if it'll be steet legal anyway

chewy - 8/27/2008 1:05:53 PM

+4 Boost

obviously, can't you read

"The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series."

It's designed 100% for GT3 racing. And looks awesome aswell.

EnnNorak - 8/27/2008 4:27:47 PM

+1 Boost

Neverfollow, it's too low to the ground to drive on the street anyway without wrecking the ground effects on the first big bump or dip you hit.

1dott8 - 8/28/2008 2:52:46 PM

+1 Boost

kthor - i guess you never saw an enzo.

ThierryHenry14 - 8/27/2008 1:13:32 PM

+5 Boost

WOW!!! Only if I could afford to have a race team...

chewy - 8/27/2008 1:32:20 PM

+6 Boost

That's why Audi is currently doing quite well in different racing series.

Agent009 - 8/27/2008 2:26:00 PM

+2 Boost

amazin- Audi-Race-Win-Outsell BMW

candywhite - 8/27/2008 6:16:05 PM

+4 Boost

You are such a newb.
Id know something before id open my mouth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R8_(race_car)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_R10

VISO - 8/27/2008 6:27:29 PM

+2 Boost

What at tool! Go race your go-cart around the kiddie circuit.

makkystyle - 8/27/2008 9:05:52 PM

+3 Boost

I think "dolt" is sufficient enough reply... though he might have to look that up.

1evlaudi - 8/28/2008 10:56:35 PM

0 Boost

amazingbimmer

amazing-bimmer= oxymoron

hpfreak - 8/29/2008 4:07:03 AM

+2 Boost

You ever watch 24hrs Le Mans.

You are an idiot.

Cornholio852 - 9/19/2008 4:17:38 PM

+1 Boost

Amazing bimmer= dipshit

vman1013 - 8/27/2008 2:40:55 PM

-1 Boost

Looks like a photoshop to me. That rear spoiler looks like Dumbo ears on that R8.

Matthew1 - 8/27/2008 4:58:10 PM

+5 Boost

So we get a story on an absolutely orgasmic-looking new racecar and all we get are comments like 'it's a photoshop", "I wouldn't want to drive it on the road", "why does the front stick out so much?".

Bunch of idiots.

1dott8 - 8/28/2008 2:58:36 PM

+1 Boost

these people obviosly know nothing about cars and especially racing.

Cornholio852 - 9/19/2008 4:18:15 PM

+1 Boost

not many on this site do

daverave - 8/28/2008 12:23:15 AM

-1 Boost

How much? $250K? $300K? The rear wing looks ridiculous and should be half the size/height.

chewy - 8/28/2008 2:28:12 AM

+2 Boost

why, downforce is good for racing. most teams are gonna run the biggest wing that the rules allow. Go take a look at the other GT3/GT2 race cars. They all have tall and big wings because those are allowed by the rules. The small wings are usually small because the rules make them small.

you are probably pretty close about the price, but the replacement/upkeep is even more important in racing. that's what really sucks up the money

hpfreak - 8/29/2008 4:07:22 AM

+2 Boost

Dave.

Get a clue before you post next.

chewy - 8/29/2008 2:40:45 PM

+2 Boost

this won't race in Le Mans. This will race in GT3. Currently, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche race in the European GT3.

F1 isn't very relevant to road going cars at all.

Heyhuub - 9/2/2008 4:26:16 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah because all the tier 1 manufacterurs like Toyota, Honda and Renault race in Formula 1

motorsportsenthusiast - 2/2/2009 8:41:34 PM

+1 Boost

What's so miraculous about this vw?