Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi R8 LMS GT4 debuts at New York auto show

Production-based race car will compete with Corvettes and Caymans in GT4 series worldwide

Audi Sport continues to expand its racing portfolio, and this R8 LMS GT4 is the latest addition to its growing range. It makes its static debut at the 2017 New York auto show.

The production-based racer is directly derived from the road-going Audi R8 V10, and is aimed primarily at amateur (albeit presumably fairly well-heeled) competitors. They'll have plenty of places to race it - Audi points out that there are 13 series worldwide in which GT4-class cars can compete.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Audi's last GT4 model was based on the previous-generation TT, but the class has grown consistently over the past few years and R8 LMS GT4 competitors will be racing against cars as diverse as the Porsche Cayman PRO4 GT4, Chevrolet Camaro and KTM X-Bow.

> Audi R8 review - The best everyday supercar on sale?

The R8 shares more than 60 per cent of its components with the road car, and is produced at the same Böllinger Höfe facility in Neckarsulm, north of Stuttgart. As such, it shares the road car's "Audi Space Frame" chassis (albeit equipped with a steel roll cage) and 5.2-litre V10.

Power here is 488bhp, which is actually less than the road car's 533bhp motor, though this is subject to change depending on the series' balance of performance tweaks. The engine runs a dry sump and supplies power to the rear wheels alone (instead of the standard four) through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and limited-slip differential.

Weight too is dependant on regulations, though the R8 LMS GT4 comes in at 1460kg dry. The race car uses steel brakes, rather than carbon-ceramics, and packs a 118-litre fuel cell to prepare it for long-distance racing. And performance? Audi Sport quotes 0-62mph in under four seconds, and a conservative top speed of "over 155mph".

Naturally, Audi Sport can also provide racers with a comprehensive servicing, spare parts and logistics package, just as it does on its GT3-level race cars. Teams will no doubt make use of that when the car makes its first racing appearance at the upcoming Nürburgring 24 Hours, which takes place from May 25 to 28.

> Click here to read more news from the New York auto show

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake Fast Fleet test – 5000 miles in the 316bhp estate
evo Fast Fleet Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake
Long term tests

Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake Fast Fleet test – 5000 miles in the 316bhp estate

Did its amalgam of practical body and Golf R underpinnings make for the perfect all-rounder?
6 Sep 2024
​Best superminis 2024 – our favourite small hot hatchbacks
Best superminis header
Best cars

​Best superminis 2024 – our favourite small hot hatchbacks

Fast superminis deliver the thrill of driving in its most basic, accessible form – these are our favourites
6 Sep 2024
Cupra Leon Estate 310 Fast Fleet test – six months in the 300bhp wagon
evo Fast Fleet Cupra Leon Estate 310
Long term tests

Cupra Leon Estate 310 Fast Fleet test – six months in the 300bhp wagon

Capable but not compelling, our Cupra from the ICE age has departed the evo Fast Fleet
3 Sep 2024