Fastest ever R8 heads to the UK

If you find a regular R8 is too sluggish then thank heavens there is an alternative. A new even more powerful limited edition R8 is coming to the UK.

Sadly its limited to 33 examples in the UK so if you want to be one of the lucky few to drive away in one of the new R8 GTs, you’ll have to get your skates on.

Based on the R8 LMS GT3 circuit car, the new R8 GT is Audi’s fastest ever road-going car with a 199mph top speed. Through an engine upgrade to 560PS, and the use of even more intensively weight optimised alternatives to many body and mechanical components, the 100kg lighter R8 GT is able to deliver even more breathtaking pace and handling poise. For starters it achieves a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds. The R8 GT opens for order in summer priced at £142,585 OTR with the first deliveries in spring 2011.

 

More power, less weight

Collectively the detail changes reduce the kerb weight of the R8 from 1,625kg to 1,525kg, and are combined with a 35PS boost to the output of the V10 FSI engine, taking it to 560PS and securing an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 367PS per tonne. With its distinctive red coloured cylinder head covers, the direct injection V10 petrol engine in the R8 GT delivers its 540Nm torque peak at 6,500rpm but can continue to rev purposefully through to 8,700rpm.

As a result, the super car can catapult from a standing start to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, from rest to 124mph in 10.8 seconds and, where conditions permit, on to 199mph – the highest top speed ever posted by a road-going Audi. A combined economy figure of 20.6mpg confirms that despite offering even more breathtaking performance the R8 GT also remains a viable proposition for more than just occasional use.

Gear changes in the R8 GT are handled by the R tronic sequential manual transmission without exception. Thanks to its electrohydraulic clutch and switching unit it shifts through each of its six gears within one tenth of a second at high load and engine speed, and it can operate in Normal, Sport and ‘manual’ modes.

The intense pace delivered via the R tronic transmission is used as gainfully as possible thanks to effective management by the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Its central viscous coupling located at the front differential sends 15 percent of the power to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear axle during normal driving, perfectly complementing the R8 GT’s 43:57 percent weight distribution. The coupling sends as much as 30 percent of the power to the front wheels within milliseconds if necessary. A mechanical locking differential at the rear axle further improves traction. It provides up to 25 percent lockup when accelerating and up to 40 percent on the overrun.

Chassis even tauter and more precise

This configuration, combined with the mid-mounted engine’s positioning close to the vertical axis, helps the racing-inspired double wishbone suspension to deliver breathtaking lateral acceleration and lightning-fast reactions. The R8 GT intensifies these responses through hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering that has an even more direct 16.3:1 ratio. A manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body by as much as 10 millimetres, is also standard, and higher front and rear wheel camber rates also help to boost agility even further.

The ESP stabilization program has been specially tuned to the R8 GT and can be switched into a Sport mode at the push of a button to allow a degree of controllable oversteer when accelerating out of a corner. If required, for track days and other circuit-based driving, the system can be deactivated entirely.

The 19-inch forged wheels are 8.5 J x 19 up front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and are shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tyres respectively. Optional rear wheels with 305/30 section tyres will also be available, as will Cup tyres, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, for racing enthusiasts.

Exclusive and dynamic: interior and equipment

True to Audi values, the increased performance and efficiency of the R8 GT does not demand sacrifice or compromise where occupant comfort and convenience is concerned. Automatic climate control, power windows, a navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system are fitted as standard, and a 465 watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, a CD changer and the Audi Music Interface are available as options.

The ergonomic interior is finished in black and dark grey, with Alcantara featuring contrasting stitching used for the steering wheel, headliner, roof pillars, knee pad, hand brake lever and bucket seats. A synthetic ‘sharkskin-look’ material that feels slightly rough to the touch is applied to the bulkhead, the door liners, the instrument cowl and the dashboard. The “monoposto” – the arch in the cockpit – is made of matte carbon.

The instrument cluster features white dials with “R8 GT” badges, the transmission tunnel and door liners feature decorative body-coloured inlays and the door sills are trimmed in matt aluminium embossed with the R8 GT logo. The gear selector is also a new design crafted from CFRP and aluminium.

A number of exclusive features are available as options for the R8 GT. Exterior options include two alternative wheels, a body-colour front splitter and a CFRP engine compartment lining. Inside, carbon elements in the doors, the tunnel, the cockpit and the instrument panel can also be added at extra cost. Other options include a multifunction leather steering wheel, seat belts in red, orange or grey, floor mats with the “R8 GT” logo and CFRP door sill trims illuminated in red. Sports seats with carbon frames which are even lighter than the standard CFRP shells are also available, as is Alcantara upholstery with embroidered R8 GT logos. 

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Buyers looking for more comfort and convenience can also choose mobile phone preparation with an innovative belt microphone, a full leather package and a cruise control system as options.

For racing enthusiasts a race package will also be offered. It includes a bolt-in roll bar in red or black, which has both road and type approval, as well as road-approved four-point belts in red or black, a fire extinguisher and a kill switch for the battery. An optional front bar module for motorsport events includes a rotary lock for the four-point seatbelt and turns the roll bar into a full cage.

Author: Faye Sunderland, May 4th, 2010
Filed under: Audi | No Comments »