AUDIR8 GT 2010 - 2013

　　Audi listened to its customers, and in 2010, it produced the R8 GT as a track-oriented supercar that could be driven there and back home on its wheels without the need for a trailer.

　　Creating a car that could handle well on a track and on regular streets was challenging for Audi. The last time it did that was with a rally car, and that was a completely different game. This time, it had to take the R8, make it lighter, faster, and more powerful, and still be able to be driven comfortably on regular streets. Luckily, the German automaker had vast experience in the racing industry. As a result, it used specific technologies and materials to shave around 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) from the regular R8 V10 weight. Furthermore, it re-tuned the engine for some extra oomph and the suspension for race track activities. Last but not least, it produced the car in just 333 units, and there were only four colors available for it. Obviously, all of them sold like hotcakes.

　　The car’s front featured some upgrades compared to the standard R8 V10. Audi installed a black singleframe grille that was flanked by matt gray side scoops that cooled the front discs. In addition, the automaker added carbon fiber winglets on the bumper’s corners and a double spoiler underneath the apron.

　　From its profile, the striking look of the carbon-fiber door mirror caps and the panel behind the doors told bystanders that this was not a regular R8. Proof of that was the GT badges that adorned the front fenders instead of the V10 badges from its heavier sibling. Behind the cabin, on the deck, Audi installed a fixed wing that replaced the retractable one from the rest of the R8 Coupe range. This solution created an even better supercar aspect for the R8 and also helped lower the car’s overall weight since the motors that raised or lowered the spoiler were no longer needed and installed. Another R8 GT-specific detail was for the exhausts, which were round instead of ovals like on the R8 V10.

　　Inside, the carmaker had to make some tough decisions. One of the most important was to replace the regular, comfortable sports seats from the regular R8 and install new ones. These carbon-fiber sports seats with integrated headrests allowed a six-point harness installation. In addition, by replacing the regular seats with these ones, Audi saved about 31 kilograms (66 lbs.). In addition, the carmaker replaced the windshield and the rest of the windows with polycarbonate, further reducing the overall weight of the R8 GT. But still, customers could enjoy driving the car on public roads since this track-oriented vehicle came fitted with an MMI infotainment system, power windows and locks, and air conditioning.

　　The beating heart of the R8 GT was a 5.2-liter V10 gasoline engine. It was related to the one installed on the Lamborghini Gallardo. In this version, it produced 560 PS (553 hp) instead of 525 PS (518 hp) provided by the regular R8 V10. Power went in all corners via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automated (single-clutch).

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