Audi R8 LMS GT2: this is how the street Audi R8 becomes the most powerful customer racing car from Audi

The brand with the four rings has just unveiled its new beast. It is called the Audi R8 LMS GT2 and it is the most powerful customer racing car ever created by Audi Sport.

Audi Sport chose the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year to reveal the new racing car; it is named the Audi R8 LMS GT2 and will compete in the new GT2 class from 2020.

The new version of the Audi R8 has become the most powerful customer racing car ever offered by the sports division, Audi Sport. It features a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 630 CV, mainly thanks to its new exhaust system.

With the new Audi R8 LMS GT2, the brand with the four rings joins Porsche and becomes the second manufacturer to commit to the GT2 Class, which aims to fill the gap between the existing GT3 and GT4 classes. GT2 Class racing cars are designed to offer less aerodynamic downforce than GT3 cars and are scheduled to make their racing debut in Europe and North America next year.

Audi R8 LMS GT2, this is the new most powerful beast from Audi

The new Audi R8 LMS GT2 comes with a significantly wider bodywork than that of the production Audi R8. It includes a new front bumper, a huge rear wing and a roof-mounted air intake for the engine.

The brand with the four rings says that around 55% of its new GT2 is shared with the road-legal Audi R8. Oliver Hoffmann, CEO of Audi Sport, has stated that “the Audi R8 LMS GT2 is the ideal sports car for classic fielding in racing, as well as being suitable for track days and events at Race Resorts, which are growing in popularity among this customer group worldwide”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JmbJ1c2Q_A

In terms of safety, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 meets the FIA’s high standards. It includes side safety nets, a fire extinguishing system, six-point harnesses and a fuel tank with a design derived from the GT4, but with a fill-level sensor. It can also optionally be specified with a quick-refuelling valve for endurance events. The steering column is adjustable for height and reach, and the pedals also feature a quick-adjustment mechanism. As there is no rear window, due to the bulky intake system, a digital rear-view mirror is used. The doors are also new in construction, made of carbon fibre, and include the CFRP-AFRP side-impact protection panels, a mandatory element since 2019.

Notably, the most powerful version of the Audi R8 LMS is already available for sale, with prices starting at 338,000 euros before taxes. The first units will be delivered to customers in December. From the 2020 season onwards they will be able to compete in the new GT2 class, which will open a new chapter in the journey towards competition with the most beautiful supercars in the world.