Only a few days ago we brought you high quality images of a rather special looking
Audi R8 test car under development at the Nürburgring in Germany. We weren't alone in assuming that it was a more driver-focused version and here it is in all its official glory: the R8 GT.
Let's get one thing out in the open early on though: the Audi R8 GT retains quattro four-wheel drive, something we suggested might give way to rear-wheel drive for this model. Saying that, one line in the press release hints at this car's capabilities: '...the R8 GT and can be switched into a Sport mode at the push of a button to allow spectacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of a corner.' Sounds good to us.
So, what is the R8 GT? Well, it's essentially a lighter
R8 V10 with a more powerful engine, bespoke styling and equipment and a chassis tweaked to appeal to 'enthusiastic' drivers. Oh, and Audi will only make 333 examples so if you're reading this much after the release date (May 1, 2010) then you're probably too late.
The regular R8 V10 is hardly portly. Even fitted with the R tronic robotised manual gearbox its kerb weight is quoted as 1,625kg. Audi has managed to trim out an extra 100kg thanks to using thinner glass and polycarbonate in places, along with a fixed rear spoiler and loads of carbon fibre components. The list of weight reductions is extensive, including 9.4kg from the battery, 7.9kg from the carpeting and a massive 31.5kg from the seats.
In our various tests of R8s propelled by the 5.2-litre V10 engine we never once thought it could do with a little more power. Audi's engineers disagree... The R8 GT boasts an upgrade from 519- to 553bhp and a modest 8lb.ft torque increase to 398lb.ft.
A combination of the lower weight and higher output results in a faster 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds (down from 3.9), while the quoted top speed is 199mph (up 2mph).
Glance at what Audi has done to the chassis and you'll realise that the GT should be even more about going around corners quickly. Manually adjustable suspension is standard, as are huge carbon ceramic brakes and an updated ESP system with the aforementioned Sport button. Track day nuts can even specify a roll cage, while downforce has been increased too. Sounds just a tad like the
Porsche 911 GT3 and
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, doesn't it?
Despite all this focus on the driving experience the R8 GT is hardly a stripped out track day special. Standard equipment includes satnav, climate control and a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo. The cabin is also swathed in exotic materials that differentiate it from other R8s.
'Where do I sign?' you may be asking. There are just two things to consider. First, the R8 GT is likely to cost about £40,000 more than the regular R8 V10. Second, it's only available with the R tronic transmission. If those aren't stumbling blocks then don't delay ringing your favourite Audi dealer, as it looks like only 33 cars are earmarked for the UK.
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 May 2010
