Audi R8 GT

[EXTRACT]#EANF# What‘s it? The quickest and potentially most hair-raising version from the Audi’s mid-engined supercar : this is actually the new R8 GT. Ever because it scooped our Best Handling Car gong in 2007, it’s been obvious to all and varied at Autocar how spectacular a track-focussed version from the beautifully benign Audi R8 could be. And although it’s taken 3 years, Audi’s finally crumbled beneath the pressure of requests from R8 devotees and it is making one. The R8 GT takes all of the lessons that Audi’s performance specialists at Quattro GmbH have learned running the motorsport-compliant R8 LMS cup car, and manifests them inside a road-legal track car driven by already brilliant R8 V10. All meaning that this thing could possibly be perhaps one of the best sports cars from the last five years. What’s it like? The 552bhp, 398lb ft, 5. 2-litre V10 engine during this car is simply the start of its performance makeover. Versus a normal V10, it’s got lightweight bucket seats, polycarbonate and extra-thin glass where there used as being regular stuff, and various carbonfibre, magnesium and lightweight aluminium body components. The GT’s rear hatch, made of CFRP, saves 6. 6kg versus the conventional R8 V10. The CFRP rear bumper and sideblades represent savings of 5. 2kg and 1. 5kg. The fixed CFRP rear wing is designed for a 1. 2kg saving, and also the aluminium bonnet is thinner and saves 2. 6kg. A lighter braking system and battery, lighter air intakes, and also the removal from the engine compartment’s sound deadening save a further 19. 5kg, and add up to some total saving of 100kg against the ‘regular’ 301bhp-per-tonne car ; the GT packs 362bhp-per-tonne. Aside from the load reductions, the R8 GT’s lower ride height and stiffer springs and dampers bring it extra track suitability, as does Audi’s optional race package, which features a rollover bar, four-point harnesses, a fire extinguisher and also a battery kill switch. There isn’t much added drama in regards to the noise the R8 GT makes. Thumbing the starter button produces an idle that’s no louder when compared to a regular R8 V10’s, perhaps in reaction to customers worried about circuit noise regulations. The car’s only available with Audi’s automated manual R-tronic gearbox, therefore you throw the level into manual mode for the foremost direct control over proceedings. Audi’s claim to the GT is it’s three tenths quicker compared to the V10 to 62mph, taking 3. 6 seconds to the dash ; it certainly feels faster, mostly inside the farthest 3000rpm from the engine’s rev range. However the main difference You are feeling driving the GT is that the benefit of their stiffer structure and firmer chassis, which grants you much more grip and a far more precise selection of line through fast driven corners. Even using its standard limited slip differential upon the rear axle, the GT remains a really easy car to drive fast. It’s also still a moderately comfortable one over bumps, although there’s even greater damper control available via the fully adjustable coilover suspension. Should I buy one? If you’re an R8 convert, you are able it and you’ve already got a place inside the queue, without question yes. Otherwise you’ll struggle, because only 33 of those cars will arrived at the UK, and all are accounted for with interest to spare. So we thought £142k could be an excessive amount to inquire about an Audi…Even this most hardcore R8 still appear to lack something, though : that ultimate purist’s sense of occasion, perhaps. It doesn’t possess the really hardcore dynamic temperament of the truly focussed circuit special as a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It’s almost too simple to exploit upon the limit ; too approachable. Some would say it doesn’t offer enough of challenging to really accomplished drivers. But however, if those are the most important criticisms we will level in the R8 GT, Audi can surely consider it a roaring success. It‘s a extremely fast and capable circuit car with handling that’s directly immediately responsive but still flattering and benign. Few other cars adore it offer up their performance abilities so squarely and unequivocally. Juergen Zoellter Audi R8 GTPrice : £142, 585 ; Top speed : 199mph ; 0-62mph : 3. 6sec ; Engine, type, cc : V10, petrol, 5204cc ; Power : 552bhp at 8000rpm ; Torque : 398lb ft at 6500rpm ; Kerb weight : 1525kg ; Economy : 20. 6mpg ; CO2 : 323g / km ; Gearbox : 6spd robotised manual  EXTRACT#EANF# Audi R8 GT