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For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car
specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500
hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn
2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer
programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt,
Neckarsulm and Gyr.
"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a
successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from
which to build up our first big customer sport programme, explains Head
of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled
weve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi
R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre
technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless
easy to handle.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing
the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race
series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the
Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is
transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox.
The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production
line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the
highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large
rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name "R16 within Audi Sport, was
developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first
prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory
driver Frank Biela.
The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for
the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of
this coming year.
The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the
quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the
Audi R8 street
version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft.
(Gyr).
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