Audi R8 GT Gets Less Weight, More Power

[Administrator]

Less than a week after spy photos of an R8 sporting a rear hatch spoiler started floating around the internet, Audi has announced an all-new R8 GT, with a host of lightweight parts and a 40 horsepower increase over the standard R8 V10.

To shave weight from the car, Audi engineers went on an almost obsessive quest to lighten the car, doing everything from fitting a thinner windshield, to crafting the trunk out of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic. Other minor improvements, such as a lighter airbox, seats, braking system – all in increments of a few pounds here or there – add up to a 220 lb reduction compared to the standard car.

Outside, special badging, a rear wing and new wheels are the most defining characteristics of the R8 GT. Audi claims that the GT will be able to hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and will put the 560 horsepower to the ground through the 6-speed R-Tronic sequential manual. Chassis upgrades include optional Cup tires (no mention of what brand) and interestingly a "manually adjustable coilover suspension." No further details were given, but this sort of equipment is usually reserved for the aftermarket and costs thousands of dollars to install. Given that four-point harnesses, a roll cage and a special cam lock for the harnesses are options, it seems to be that the R8 GT is intended to be a seriously hardcore performance car aimed right at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

No word on when the R8 GT will go on sale, but Audi announced it will retail for 193,000 Euros, or roughly $256,000 U.S. at today's exchange rates. In the mean time, we'll be waiting patiently for our chance to drive one at the inevitable launch event.

More: Audi R8 GT Gets Less Weight, More Power on AutoGuide.com

[AnOutsider]

2011 R8 GT - Motor Trend First Look

[SDR8]

...new wheels are the most defining characteristics of the R8 GT...

I love how they say new wheels and then show the normal titanium colored wheel. They talk about "The 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive five twin-spoke Y design in a titanium-look finish." which I was expecting them to show the wheel they had on the V12TDI and in the MegaFactories/Ultimate Factories shows. By this picture, looks like they are staying with the P-Zeros for the cup series tires, Corsa's.


***update: I just saw the DE site, http://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuwagen/r8/r8_gt.html, that had more images and it showed the wheel I was expecting. I guess the above pict was not a complete GT car.

[harrison]

I might just have to attatch some winglets like the front of this GT cars'.