Hardcore Audi R8 GT supercar

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Audi has revealed its new R8 GT and it looks like it’s going to be a weapon. Less weight, more power and a harder image…what’s not to like!

Hardcore Audi R8 supercar

The hardcore Audi R8 GT finally appears. 552bhp Lambo power, but it's not rear-wheel drive

Audi has – at long last – revealed its hardcore R8 supercar.

Tougher R8s have been spotted in testing for sometime, with all sorts of rumours about Clubsport names and rear-wheel drive. Neither are true. The Audi R8 GT retains the Quattro all-wheel-drive system of its V10 donor car, though with a 15/85 front/rear power distribution, and the standard R8’s penchant for sliding, that’s perhaps not as disappointing as it may sound.

The GT’s main focus is on more power and less weight. The 5.2-litre V10’s output is upped to 552bhp and 398lb ft. Essentially the same unit as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, then. It’ll hustle the 1525kg GT to 62mph in 3.6sec and 124mph in 10.8sec; top speed is 199mph. Audi’s six-speed R tronic sequential manual gearbox is standard.

That kerb weight is 100kg less than a standard Audi R8 V10, those savings the result of some obsessive work in all areas of the car. The windscreen is made of thinner glass, the rear windows are polycarbonate, the carbon rear wing is fixed rather than adjustable, and the rear bumper, rear hatch and the sideblades are all made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic. There are even thinner carpets, which cut 8kg.

The GT boasts more downforce than a regular R8, despite achieving the same slippery 0.36Cd drag coefficient.

Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, and come shrouded in 19in forged alloy wheels. You can specify ‘Cup’ tyres, as well as an excellent-sounding Race Package. This consists of a type-approval roll cage, four-point seatbelts and a kill switch and fire extinguisher. It’s no coincidence that the ESP also boasts a special tune, and can be completely deactivated…

The R8 GT will cost 193,000 euros in Europe, but thanks to lower pricing in the UK, expect to pay £140-150,000 for one on our shores. That will help it undercut its closer-than-ever cousin at Lamborghini.

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I like... nice looking R8!!! 👍
 
Those exhaust pipes are huge. The R8 is about the only Audi I'd own, and this one is freaking sweet. It looks awesome. I'd like one with a manual.
 
It needs to be RWD, because of that I'd take the MTM R8 GT3.
 
Sure did a good job not running on the LP560-4's heels in the market with the R8, didn't you, Audi?


Not saying I don't like it, in fact I very much do, but for the price this is expected, I'm going to go with the Lamborghini. Although, I do like the fact that the power distribution is 15/85, so it shouldn't have too much problem kicking the tail out.
 
I like R8's in general and this one is lighter and more powerful... what's not to like about it? Other than the hiddeous colour scheme!

Oh, and the interiors of R8's... just lovely. Porsche should take a leaf out of Audi's book for the 998!
 
Blah. I can't stand the sight of one, no matter how fast it is.
 
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hey, look, the R8 as it should have been from the very begining to back up its supercar image.
 
If it was available with a proper manual, and didn't have that awful interior color scheme (trying to make it look like a tuner car?) I'd be on board. As it is, the only thing I like about it, is the canards and the performance. On looks, I would say the original R8 4.2L has this one beat (except for the canards :) )




;)
 
That, for me, is automotive perfection inside and out, design wise. It's unbelievable to look at.
 
I just can't like the heck of the R8, reminds me too much of the Gallardo in which it's based on.
 
G.T.Ace
I just can't like the heck of the R8, reminds me too much of the Gallardo in which it's based on.
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That's like not liking a woman because she reminds you too much of Angelina Jolie.
 
I always disliked the design of the Gallardo.
Btw. I'm pretty sure Angelina Jolie doesn't look that great in real life nowadays too. ;)
 
To be honest, I'm not overly keen on the R8 either, it's not bad looking but it just to me looks sterile. I do see nice lines and I look at it and I think that's not a badly designed car, but I just don't particularly like the way it looks as a whole. In much the same way someone may say Angline Jolie isn't a bad looking woman per se, but she just doesn't appeal to them much.
 
The more they add on to the design, the less I'm attracted. It's obviously the trendy thing to do, the better versions always have more cuts in their skin and more speed holes to use. Other than those artillery exhausts, I'll take the regular R8 in terms of styling, including standard red taillight lenses, sans time-attack canards and rear wheel gills.

That being said, I still think the R8 is one of the most unique sportscar designs since the TT.
 
That's the great thing about loving cars - we all have different tastes.

With that said, I'd just like to say that to anyone who doesn't like this for any reason whatsoever is on some serious crack. :lol:

I do, however, hope Audi doesn't start wringing performance models for everything their worth until the last drop like a certain other manufacturer.
 
As with alot of cars these days, what an awesome machine but this no manual thing? Really? :\

Same with the RS5 god that car is gorgeous I loved the S5 enough already... Auto only. 👎
 
Oh no, driving an auto makes you less of a man. Oh no.
Those F1 guys are such pansies.
 
Terronium-12
That's the great thing about loving cars - we all have different tastes.

With that said, I'd just like to say that to anyone who doesn't like this for any reason whatsoever is on some serious crack. :lol:

I do, however, hope Audi doesn't start wringing performance models for everything their worth until the last drop like a certain other manufacturer.
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Oh, and who might that be? Keep in mind that this car is now the 4th R8 model now available.
 
dave_sz
Oh no, driving an auto makes you less of a man. Oh no.
Those F1 guys are such pansies.
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He didn't say anything about it making you less of a man, nor did I.

It's about the joy of driving. It's about having the utmost control of your vehicle. Analog as opposed to digital.

Nothing wrong with a paddle shifted Ferrari 458 Italia. Quite a machine. One that can stomp most other cars around a track. Yet, for me (and I'm sure I'm not alone here) something along the lines of a Ferrari 355 Berlinetta with 5 on the floor is going to provide much more exhilaration, and ultimately be more rewarding to drive.

Paddles are the future...

You can't expect everyone to be happy about it, though.




;)
 
McLaren
Oh, and who might that be? Keep in mind that this car is now the 4th R8 model now available.
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You know who - Lamborghini. :p

It doesn't bother me in the slightest, and I get that it's cheaper (and more productive in the long run) to continually evolve an architecture that's already in production as opposed to penciling an entirely new one. It does get to the point where you've tapped the entire potential of the car so you end up changing one dynamic to benefit another. I'm not implying Lambo does any of that, but they were the primary reference to wringing a performance vehicle for everything it's worth.
 
dave_sz
Oh no, driving an auto makes you less of a man. Oh no.
Those F1 guys are such pansies.
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That's not at all why... I just prefer a manual over an automatic, more enjoyable to me.. :odd:
 
-> No manual = no fun. :indiff:

-> I'd take MTM R10 (aka. R8 5.2) RWD with 6-Speed Manual. Or if I want to stick with OEM-only, I'd still take the R10/R8 5.2. :)
 

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