| Year
(of specifications) |
2010 |
| Engine |
5.2
litre V10 |
| Transmission |
6
speed R Tronic AWD |
| Max
speed |
198
mph |
| 0-60
mph |
3.5
seconds |
| Horsepower |
560
hp |
| weight |
1,525
kgs / 3,362 lbs |
|
The R8 GT is both lighter and more powerful
than the standard R8 V10. |
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|
Audi's R8 has been one of the most acclaimed contemporary supercars
since its introduction in 2006. And rightly so. However one
of the areas its sometimes come in for minor criticism is it's
lack of drama or excitement, especially when compared to its
Italian or British competitors. With the R8 GT Audi will be
hoping to dispel any rumors that they make a sublime yet ever-so-slightly
soulless supercar.
The Audi R8 GT is based on the top-spec Audi
R8 V10. But then the engineers at Audi have worked overtime
to reduce the weight and increase the power. At the same time
they've thrown a few aerodynamic
bits and pieces at it.
Like almost all of Audi's sporty S, RS and R models the R8 GT
uses the company's ASF (Aluminium Space Frame) technology to
keep the bulky mass of the chassis and body to a minimum - while
also retaining strength and rigidity. Unfortunately because
this lightweight unit is already in use on the standard R8 the
engineers couldn't trim any fat here. Instead they chose to
make numerous changes which would add up to a 100 kg (220 lb)
weight saving. These changes include:
- Thinner windshield glass
- Polycarbonate firewall
and rear window
- Fixed rear spoiler
- Thinner aluminium for front luggage compartment
- Carbon fiber
rear hatch
- Carbon fiber rear bumper and sideblades
- Lighter braking system
- Lighter battery
- Less engine insulation
- Lighter interior carpeting
- Featherweight sports seats
- High grade thinner steel for exhaust system
The engine of the R8 GT is a 5.2 litre V10 which is primarily
formed from lightweight magnesium. This unit redlines at 8,700
rpm, produces 560 horsepower, and also generates 540 Nm (398
lb-ft) of torque
@ 6,500 rpm. Thanks to this potent powerplant the R8 GT can
hit 62 mph (100km/h) in just 3.6 seconds, and top out at 198
mph.
The Audi R8 GT's transmission is handled by a 6-speed R tronic
sequential
manual setup which offers an automatic mode with the Sport and
Normal characteristics, and two manual levels. It is controlled
using the short gear selector lever on the center tunnel and
two paddles on the steering wheel. And of course the R8 GT uses
the quattro AWD system
which, under normal conditions, splits the power 15/85 front/rear.
However if needed up to 30 percent of the power can be channeled
to the front wheels in milliseconds.
The interior of the R8 GT has been given a few special touches
which mark it out from the standard car. Most obvious are the
prominent 'R8 GT' badges and embroidered floor mats. The instrument
cluster features white dials with 'R8 GT' badges. The newly
designed selector lever is made of CFRP and aluminum; the center
tunnel and the door liners sport decorative inlays in the body
color. The door sills feature trims of matt aluminum decorated
with the 'R8 GT' logo.
The steering wheel, the headliner, the roof posts, the knee
pad, the parking brake lever and the bucket seats are covered
with Alcantara accented with contrasting stitching. A synthetic
sharkskin-look material that feels slightly rough to the touch
is applied to the bulkhead, the door liners, the instrument
cowl and the dashboard. The "monoposto" - the arch
in the cockpit - is made of matt carbon.
For owners who want to take the car on the track Audi are offering
a race package for the R8 GT. It includes a bolt-in roll bar
in red or black, which has both road and type approval, as well
as road-approved four-point belts in red or black, a fire extinguisher
and a kill switch for the battery. An optional front bar module
for motorsports evens includes a rotary lock for the four-point
seatbelt and turns the roll bar into a full cage.
Only 333 examples of the R8 GT are scheduled to be produced.
Similar and related vehicles:
Audi R8 Spider
Audi R8
Audi R8 V10
Audi R8 V12 TDI
Audi R8 GT3
Source: Audi
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