The
Audi R8 solidified its supercar status when it received a version of the 5.2-liter V-10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. While the
R8’s V-10 is nearly identical, it is slightly less powerful, and it seemed reasonable that corporate politics might prevent the R8 from ever matching the horsepower figure of the Lambo. Now that this limited-edition R8 GT is granted the same 552-hp output as the little Lambo, the raging bull might very well be huffing, snorting, and ping-ponging off its pen walls in a fit of rage. To add insult to injury, the LP560’s weight advantage over the
V-10 R8—3507 pounds versus 3755, according to our scales—crumbles, as the R8 GT drops an estimated 220 pounds.
Ruh-roh, we smell a family feud in the works.
Diet and ExerciseLimited to just 333 units, the R8 GT receives a lengthy list of modifications over the standard V-10 car. The aforementioned power upgrade—27 additional hp
and 7 bonus lb-ft of torque, for a total of 398—comes from revised engine electronics. (Considering that the R8’s previous tuning was a revision of the Gallardo’s electronics, this perhaps counts as a “de-revision.”) Complementing the powertrain enhancements is a specially tuned ESP system that Audi says allows for “spectacular, but safe” oversteer when in Sport mode. We like the sound of that. Red accents on the engine recall that other, non-Lambo Italian supercar maker. The only transmission is Audi’s single-clutch R tronic automated manual.
When it came to trimming those 220 pounds from the R8, Audi’s engineers, like Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera crew, relied heavily on carbon fiber and polycarbonate. Most noticeable is the new carbon-fiber rear wing. The fixed, matte-finish
wing attaches to a rear hatch also made from carbon fiber, instead of the regular R8’s aluminum. The lightweight weave also is used for the rear bumper, with its unique vertical vents aft of the wheels; a large rear diffuser; and a double-lipped front splitter. Further weight reduction comes from replacing the glass in the bulkhead window and engine-compartment cover with polycarbonate. The rest of the weight slips off thanks to a thinner windshield,
less sound insulation, a lighter exhaust, lightweight carpet, and a set of fiberglass seat frames.
Audi says the performance upshot of all these mods is a 0-to-62-mph run of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, but that sprint claim is predictably conservative. We’ve clocked a 5.2-liter R8 with R tronic to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and that’s without the weight savings and additional power. As equipped with the GT package, expect this Audi to be more on pace with the
LP560-4, at around 3.2 seconds to 60.
Additional FeaturesA limited-edition exotic wouldn’t be complete without a few somewhat boy-racerish add-ons. Beyond the new rear wing, it’s impossible to miss the red-anodized brake calipers, but other subtle changes set the GT farther apart. In the rear, check out the round, softball-size exhaust pipes that sit below a valance now finished in matte gray. The taillight settings are darkened and finished with clear lenses, yielding a classy look that’s one of our favorite changes. Along the sides, GT badges accompany the matte carbon sideblades and mirror caps, along with the beautiful 19-inch forged wheels covering carbon-ceramic brakes. Two different wheel styles are optional and can be paired with wider rear tires. Skins intended for hard-core street and track use are also available. Finally, the matte-black front grille is flanked by standard LED headlights and curved carbon-fiber winglets at the corners of the nose to increase downforce. Color choices are limited to Samoa Orange, Suzuka Gray, Ice Silver, and Phantom Black.
Sliding inside the black and gray cockpit, passengers are greeted with Alcantara covering the headliner, pillars, steering wheel, and parking-brake lever. A sharkskin-look material can be found pretty much everywhere Alcantara is not, including the door panels, instrument cowl, and dash. Drivers will stare at white-faced gauges with red GT logos, and toggle an R tronic shifter post that uses carbon fiber to form a pair of prongs, cradling the individually numbered shift knob like a precious gemstone. Navigation is standard and customers can opt for a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, more carbon-fiber bits including seatbacks and engine jewelry, Alcantara-lined “R8 GT” embroidered seats, colored seatbelts, and tacky GT floor mats
that look like they belong on the pages of JC Whitney.
For those intending to really wring out their GT, Audi is offering to equip the cars with a race package that includes a bolt-in roll bar with red or black four-point belts, a fire extinguisher, and a battery kill switch
. The bolt-in bar can also be upgraded to a full roll cage.
The R8 GT is set to go on sale in Germany for €193,000
, or about $255,000 at the current exchange rate. So, will we see a few copies in the U.S.? It has yet to be confirmed, but our sources say it’s quite probable that some of the 333 cars will be rationed for our roads. We expect U.S. cars to come in around $200K, but don’t expect to see the lightweight seats or race packages offered. We’re okay with that, as long as we get a chance behind the wheel.
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