Audi Develops Race Version of the R8

by LhYnxz Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:03 pm

Source: Audi AG

Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar

First races planned for 2009 season

Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Aug 27, 2008 - 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 Gy&oum;lr.
"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."
Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header2

Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header2

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.
Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header3

Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header3

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).
Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header4

Audi Develops Race Version of the R8 Header4