Audi Unveils New 2010 Audi R8 GT
For those who feel that neither of the current Audi R8 (4.2L V-8 and 5.2L V-10) models are fast enough for their liking, Audi has unveiled a new model of the mid-engine sports car called the 2010 Audi R8 GT. The Audi R8 GT, previously referred to as the R8 Clubsport in spy pictures, combines increased engine output and reduced curb weight to offer a vast improvement in overall performance. While the hand-built Audi R8 is already a rare car, the all-new Audi R8 GT will be limited to just 333 total units.
The biggest improvement Audi made for the R8 GT is increasing the 5.2-liter V-10 output from 525 horsepower in the current R8 5.2 FSI up to 560 horsepower. This output matches that of the R8's sister car, the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo, and it was accomplished simply by changing the engine electronics. Unlike the current R8 models, the new R8 GT will only come with the R tronic automated six-speed manual transmission leaving out the gated, conventional six-speed manual gearbox. Although the R tronic transmission takes away the driver's control from shifting, it is able to shift gears in just one-tenth of a second which is faster than any driver could ever shift manually. The GT will continue to benefit from Audi's rear-biased quattro permanent all-wheel drive system for better performance and stability.
An extensive use of polycarbonate, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other lightweight materials helped Audi reduce the curb weight of the R8 GT by an amazing 220 pounds compared to a standard R8 5.2. With a curb weight of just 3,362 pounds, the R8 GT weighs even less than the 'base'? R8 4.2 FSI while producing 140 additional horsepower. In order to cut that much weight, Audi made numerous changes to the R8's construction but left the lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) in tact as the aluminum skeleton weighs just 463 pounds. Fortunately, all of the changes made to reduce weight aren't noticeable such as the thinner windshield, the polycarbonate rear windows, thinner aluminum sheet metal for the hood and CFRP used for the rear hatch, rear bumper and signature side blades. The added muscle and reduced weight of the R8 GT result in blistering performance with zero to 60 mile per hour acceleration expected to be less than 3.5 seconds and a top speed of almost 199 mph.
Visually, Audi made quite a few changes to the R8 GT that will help it perform better and stand out easier. To the trained eye, there are plenty of ways to tell the R8 GT apart from the standard R8 models, but the easiest way to tell the GT is by checking out the rear of the car. While the R8 4.2 has quadruple exhaust outlets and the R8 5.2 has large oval outlets, the R8 GT gets massive circular outlets as well as a rear air diffuser, side vents in the rear fascia and a tall, fixed rear wing to replace the R8 retractable decklid spoiler. Other changes include a carbon fiber splitter under the front fascia, smaller exterior matte carbon mirrors mounted on aluminum bases, small downforce-inducing 'flics'? on each side of the front fascia and exclusive 19-inch, five twin-spoke wheels. The R8 GT will only be available in four exterior colors: Samoa Orange Metallic, Suzuka Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic and Phantom Black Pearl.
Each of the 333 units will be distinguishable by a badge on the shift lever to mark its series in production, instrument gauges unique to the R8 GT, aluminum door sills with the 'R8 GT'? logo and a unique sharkskin-like material used on the bulkhead, door panels and atop the instrument panel. The R8 GT will continue to offer luxury amenities as well including Audi's MMI system, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system and Audi Music Interface. Much of the GT's weight loss was attained by replacing the bucket seats with seats made from CFRP that saved close 70 pounds and lightweight carpeting that saved an additional 17 pounds. To live up to its racing heritage, the R8 GT will also be available with a race package that includes a bolt-in roll bar, four-point seat harnesses, a battery kill switch and a fire extinguisher. A full roll cage is also a factory option.
To make up for the stronger engine and the increased demands expected from the car, Audi also gave the R8 GT specific chassis tuning. The R8's stopping abilities have been improved with carbon fiber ceramic brakes and upgraded calipers that have increase to six pistons in the front. All four calipers are also red anodized aluminum to further help the GT stand apart from other R8 models. The suspension has been lowered by 10 millimeters while the standard Electronic Stability Program stability control system now offers a Sport mode for better handling, and the system can be switched off completely for racetrack driving.
Pricing and availability in the United States have yet to be determined, but the R8 GT should be available here in very limited numbers with a starting MSRP well above that of the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI's $146,000 starting price.