Even Sharper and More Effective
The design of the Audi R8 GT is the expression of concentrated power - a
beautiful, technical sculpture. The exterior underwent numerous modifications
that further sharpened the appearance. Many of them also reduce the weight and
enhance the aerodynamics. The R8 GT produces even more downforce when driven
fast than the production model - without any increase in the Cd value (0.36) or
frontal area (21.42 sq ft).
The frame of the single-frame grille, its
struts and the slats in the air intakes are finished in matt titanium gray; the
grille is painted matt black. The splitter under the bumper has a double lip and
is made of carbon. Slender, curved flics at the corners of the nose increase the
downforce on the front axle and are also made of a carbon fiber composite.
One highlight of the R8 GT are the standard LED headlights, which use
light-emitting diodes for all functions. They produce bright, homogeneous light,
have a long service life and low energy consumption. The headlights also have an
attractive and distinctive appearance. The daytime running lights each comprise
24 LEDs and appear as a continuous band. The reflectors are reminiscent of open
mussel shells.
The defining element of the side view are the sideblades,
which direct air to the engine and in the R8 GT are also made of matte carbon.
The same material is used for the reduced-size housing of the side mirrors,
which are mounted on an aluminum base. The 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive
five twin-spoke Y design in a titanium-look finish. The front fenders sport "GT"
badges.
The modifications to the rear of the car are particularly
apparent, beginning with the fixed wing of matte carbon. The ventilation louvers
on both sides of the rear hatch and the CFRP bumper, which integrates the large,
round tailpipes and vents for the wheel wells, have been redesigned. The larger
diffuser is made of carbon fiber composite; the license plate bezel and the wide
slats at the rear are in matte titanium gray. The tail lights, which also use
LED technology, have dark housings with panes of clear glass.
Audi offers
the R8 GT in a choice of four body colors: Samoa Orange metallic, Suzuka Gray
metallic, Ice Silver metallic and Phantom Black pearl effect.
R8 RS is
Breathtakingly Powerful: The 560 hp 5.2 FSI
The modified V10, whose
cylinder head covers are painted red, gives the Audi R8 GT breathtaking
performance. The R8 GT sprints from zero to 124 mph in 10.8 seconds. And the
thrust does not let up until the top speed of 199 mph is reached.
Changes
to the engine electronics coaxed an additional 35 hp from the ten-cylinder,
which now produces 560 hp from a displacement of 5,204 cc. The torque curve
peaks at 398 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, 7 lb-ft more than in the production version.
The V10 has a specific power output of 107.6 hp per liter displacement. Its
power-to-weight ratio is 6 lbs per hp. The engine redlines at 8,700 rpm.
The long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 84.5 x 92.8 millimeters), which is
hand-built at the factory in Györ, Hungary, features a crankcase made of a
aluminum-silicon alloy that is both lightweight and very strong. A bedplate - a
frame for the crankshaft bearing bridges - further enhances its rigidity. The
complete engine weighs only 568 lbs. It is characterized by a cylinder angle of
90 degrees and dry-sump lubrication, which uses a highly efficient oil pump
module. Both solutions lower the center of gravity and thus improve driving
dynamics.
The crankshaft is designed as a common pin shaft. The
connecting rods of the opposing pistons engage a common crankpin, resulting in
alternating firing intervals of 54 and 90 degrees. This unique rhythm gives the
V10 its fascinating sound - a grand, technical music very much like that in
racing. Two flaps in the exhaust system modulate its volume and tone as a
function of load and engine speed.
The normally aspirated engine consumes
an average of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (17.2 US mpg) - very good fuel
economy given the tremendous power. The FSI gasoline direct injection system
injects the fuel into the combustion chambers at up to 120 bar of pressure. The
turbulent mixture cools the cylinder walls, enabling a compression ratio of
12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and the continuous adjustment of the
chain-driven camshafts ensure that the combustion chambers are fully filled.
Flaps in the intake ports facilitate the formation of the mixture by inducing a
tumbling motion in the inflowing air.
The Drivetrain
Gear
changes in the R8 GT are handled by the R tronic sequential manual transmission.
The electrohydraulic clutch and switching unit receive their commands
electronically. It changes its six gears much faster than a skilled driver could
- within a tenth of a second at high load and engine speed.
The
electronic management system 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.
Maximum thrust when starting is ensured by Launch Control - a program that
manages full acceleration with high engine speed and minimum wheel slip when
starting.
quattro permanent all-wheel drive is the ideal technology for a
high-performance sports car. The central viscous coupling located at the front
differential sends 15 percent of the power to the front axle and 85 percent to
the rear axle during normal driving. This split harmonizes perfectly with the
Audi R8 GT's 43:57 percent weight distribution. The coupling sends as much as 30
percent of the power to the front wheels within milliseconds, if necessary. A
mechanical locking differential at the rear axle further improves traction. It
provides up to 25 percent lockup when accelerating and up to 40 percent on the
overrun.
Chassis even tauter and more precise
The Audi R8 GT
high-performance sports car is a driving machine with breathtaking lateral
acceleration and lightning-fast, nearly instantaneous reactions. Its engine is
mid-mounted close to the vertical axis; its mass is almost negligible during
fast direction changes. The R8 GT is dynamic, precise and stable in almost every
situation.
The chassis follows the classic racing design - double
wishbones made of aluminum locate the wheels. The hydraulic, power-assisted
rack-and-pinion steering has a direct 16.3:1 ratio and connects the driver
closely and precisely with the road. A manually adjustable coilover suspension,
which lowers the body by as much as 10 millimeters (0.39 in), is standard.
Higher front and rear wheel camber rates make the handling a tick more agile
than with the standard model.
The 19-inch forged wheels are 8.5 J x 19 up
front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and are shod with size 235/35 and 295/30 tires,
respectively. Audi will mount 305/30 tires together with optional wheels on the
rear axle upon request. Cup tires, which offer the ultimate in performance on
dry roads, are available for racing enthusiasts.
Audi mounts internally
ventilated, carbon fiber ceramic brake disks standard. They are extremely
durable and abrasion-resistant as well as particularly lightweight. Together
they weigh nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than their steel counterparts of the
same size. They measure 380 millimeters (14.96 in) in diameter up front and 356
millimeters (14.02 in) at the rear. The friction rings are bolted to the
stainless steel caps via elastic elements. Red anodized aluminum brake calipers
- with six pistons up front - are exclusive to the R8 GT.
The ESP
stabilization program has been specially tuned to the R8 GT and can be switched
into a Sport mode at the push of a button to allow spectacular, but safe,
oversteer when accelerating out of a corner. The driver can deactivate the
system entirely for a trip to the race track.
Exclusive and Dynamic Interior
At Audi, reducing weight means increasing performance
and efficiency, but not sacrifice. The Audi R8 GT, which Audi sells in Germany
for ?193,000, comes with an automatic climate control system and power windows,
a navigation system with MMI operating logic and a powerful sound system. A 465
watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, a CD changer and the Audi Music
Interface are available as options. As always with Audi, the interior shows
loving attention to detail. Rich materials spoil the occupants with a fine look
and feel.
The ergonomic interior is adorned in sporty black and dark
gray. 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.
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.
A number of exclusive features are available as options for the R8 GT.
Exterior options include two alternative wheels, a body-color front splitter and
a CFRP engine compartment lining. Carbon elements on the doors, the tunnel, in
the cockpit and on the instrument panel are available as interior options.
Others include a multifunction leather steering wheel, seat belts in red, orange
or gray, floor mats with the "R8 GT" logo and CFRP door sill trims illuminated
in red. If desired, Audi will fit seats with carbon frames, which are somewhat
lighter than the CFRP shells. The Alcantara seat covers are optionally available
with an embroidered "R8 GT" logo.
A race package is available for racing
enthusiasts. 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. Buyers looking for more comfort and
convenience can choose cell phone preparation with an innovative belt
microphone. Audi also offers a full leather package, control elements in leather
with contrasting stitching and a cruise control system as options. The parking
aid is included with the standard equipment.
Audi R8 GT: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications