Refreshed Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car revealed
Customer race car boasts optimised aerodynamics along with improved durability, and is set to hit race tracks from 2019
Audi has revealed an upgraded version of its R8 LMS GT3 racer, with the machine expected to take to circuits in 2019.
Available through the Audi Sport customer racing program, the revised machine offers improved aerodynamics and cooling along with better durability.
The German firm didn’t delve into deep details as to what the performance improvements are (as to be expected for a car designed to compete at a high level on track) but did say that a longer service interval for the transmission and clutch offers a better investment prospect for customer race teams.
The Audi R8 LMS GT3 is homologated to FIA GT3 regulations, meaning it can compete in a variety of series around the globe — going wheel-to-wheel with rivals from the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche.
Although the R8 LMS GT3 shares the same 5.2-litre V10 powertrain as the road-going supercar, it has less power in race configuration as a result of homologation rules — although will dominate it around a track thanks to low weight and aerodynamic upgrades.
Teams can opt to purchase an entirely new machine at a cost of 398,000 euros (circa. £351k) before local taxes, or instead upgrade an existing second-generation R8 LMS GT3 to the new specification for 28,000 euros (circa. £25k) before VAT.
