Audi R8 LMS Customer Sport Programme Details

Audi Motorsport's plan for 2009 is on track to produce a new LMP1
called R15 TDI for the Le Mans 24 Hours, an A4 for DTM and the new R8
LMS. Of interest here is the LMS customer programme, recently spied at
the ‘Ring a while ago. It's essentially a race car that will be seen
trying to prove its mettle at Formula GT3 from 2009. As a
customer-focused project, it's customers who will be racing these cars;
up to eight of them competing in various European series as well. The
factory itself will not enter a GT3 car in any race.
"We know just how important motorsport is for the success of the
brand," said Michael Dick, Chairman of the Board for Technical
Development and the man in charge of AUDI AG motorsport programme.
"Therefore it goes without saying that Audi must also be present on the
race track in economically hard times. It is all the more important for
us to enter a motorsport category in which the cost-benefit calculation
is positive."
The LMS car develops 500hp/ 373kW-plus V10 that takes ordinary Audi
customers and turns them into Christian Abts of the world. Speaking of
which, Abt is very much involved in the development of R8 LMS, as are
Frank Biela and Frank Stippler, all very experienced racing drivers. A
6-speed sequential gearbox works in tandem with the engine to drive
only rear wheels on the ground.
Interested buyers will have to fork out a proposed €262,000 (VAT included) for the privilege.