Audi has decided that they will be offering customers the chance to buy a racing sports car in the form of the GT3 version of the R8 coupe. “The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport program,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version.” Available in the fall of 2009, the R8 GT3 will be able to participate in numerous national and international race series.
Since GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive, the race-spec sportscar has been fitted with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain. Audi hasn’t layed out all the details yet, but they did say that the mid-engined R8 GT3 will deliver more than 500 HP from the modified V8 engine. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels with a new six-speed sequential sports gearbox while the suspension will use almost exclusively components from the production model.
Audi has alslo developed a aerodynamic bodykit for the R8 GT3 that includes a modified front end and a large rear-wing to help produce downforce. The Audi R8 GT3 will also feature the necessary safety equipment to guarantee the well being of the driver in the case of an accident such as a spec roll cage, fire supression system, and harnesses. Testing of the race-prepped R8 in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season.
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