Audi R8 GT4

The Audi R8 GT4: A Hardcore Track Monster

This is Audi Sports latest creation – the R8 GT4. It’s a track only racer derived from the road going Audi R8. It’s aim is to compete in GT4 race series against the likes of the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. Even when road ready, the Audi R8 is by no means a slow car, so how much did they need to change to create a race car? 

60% is actually still the R8 your familiar with. It shares the same 5.2 litre V10 with just a couple of new parts; an exhaust and an ECU map. It also now bears a restrictor plate, so output is down from 533bhp to 488bhp depending on series rules and regs. Power is directed through a seven speed DCT transmission as before, but it now only supplies the rear wheels unlike the AWD road car. Dry, the R8 GT4 weighs in at 1460kg although, weight is also regulation dependant. The R8 GT4 completes the 0-62mph sprint in under 4 seconds and onto a top speed of “over 155mph”. 

The R8 GT4 uses steel brakes and the same ABS system as the road car. The double-wishbone setup is carried over too, but with new adjustable race stabilisers, dampers and springs. The steering system has been pinched from the R8 GT3. Inside, your left with the bare essentials including the mandatory roll cage, bucket seats and harnesses. Exterior changes – with the exception of the wing – are fairly subtle. There’s a handful of aero bits as well as the centre exit exhaust round the back. The R8 GT4’s first race appearance will be the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May.

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