Audi is leaving no stone unturned with its new second-generation R8 supercar. Having revealed the R8 5.2 FSI V10, V10 plus and e-tron variants simultaneously at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, here comes the new Audi R8 LMS race car that will take to the tracks later this year.
It’s both lighter and safer than before. Audi says the safety aspects of the new GT3 racer already surpasses the tighter requirements that will come into effect in 2016. The crash structures, both front and rear, have been improved, and there’s now a rescue opening in the roof as used in DTM cars – a GT3 first.
The additions above would have increased weight, but Audi has managed to make the new R8 LMS slightly lighter (from 1,250 to 1,225 kg). Torsional stiffness of the stressed frame is up by a significant 39% too.
As before, the 585 hp 5.2 litre V10 engine is assembled in the same line as the production units. Its scheduled rebuild intervals of 20,000 km sets the standard in racing, as Audi keeps mentioning. While the engine has been carried over largely unchanged, the lighter six-speed sequential transmission is a completely new development.
Aerodynamically, the new Audi R8 LMS features a fully-lined underfloor and a conceptually integrated rear diffuser. The more efficient aero has allowed the use of a smaller rear wing without affecting drag.
The new car has big shoes to fill, as its predecessor was quite a beast on track. The first-generation Audi R8 LMS collected 26 GT3 Championship wins between 2009 and 2014, plus 23 titles in other classifications and seven class victories in 24-hour races. Can this new one be as successful?
Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 and V10 plus
Audi R8 e-tron
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First time in many years i would say the interior of the Merc SLC is more bespoke and nicer. But both interiors are already impressive.
As a GT3 racecar, the new Audi R8 looks superb. Next year should be a new chapter in the GT3 racing history with the majority of the manufacturers to field their all-new cars – Audi, Merc AMG, BMW, Lexus, Lambo, Porsche (new engined), Chevy, Cadillac and the rumoured new Ferrari, Jaguar & Ford GT3 cars. Only Nissan and Aston Martin are expected to continue soldier on with their current and rather ageing GT3 models. Should be a blast!