Audi R8 GT: light weight construction and tremendous performance
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Audi
4th May, 2010
- Limited-production, top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car
- 100 kilogrammes lighter, body parts in carbon
- V10 FSI with 412 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds
During the early hours of Sunday morning 2nd May, 2010 (Australian time), the Audi R8 GT was
revealed in Ingolstadt (Germany). Now even more powerful, lighter and faster: Audi presents a
limited-production version of it R8 high-performance sports car, the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2
litre V10 has been increased to 412 kW; vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 100 kilogrammes.
The Audi R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed on a
race track of 320 km/h.
The Audi R8 high-performance sports car has been a winner from the very beginning. This applies to
both the production models and to the race car, the R8 LMS, which won 23 races in its first season
and claimed three championships. The 'genes' of the race version are now coming to the street – in the
R8 GT. The exclusive series is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT has a badge with its production number
on the shift lever knob.
Consistent use of light weight construction: 100 kilogrammes trimmed
The production R8 5.2 FSI quattro is already a shining example of the Audi’s light weight
construction philosophy. Its aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body weighs only 210 kilogrammes. The
aluminium body panels are joined to the frame of extruded profiles and cast nodes by means of positive
and friction connections. The engine frame is made of ultra-lightweight magnesium.
The ASF body is largely hand-built at the Neckarsulm plant in a complex manufacturing process. The
extremely high strength of the body is the basis for the high-performance sports car’s precise handling,
and it also offers rigidity, comfort and first-rate crash safety.
Thanks to the ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,625 kilogrammes – with
quattro permanent all-wheel drive and optional R tronic transmission. This made it all the more
difficult for the engineers to once again achieve substantial weight savings. They took an elaborate
approach involving every aspect of the vehicle, and in the end the scales came to rest at 1,525
kilogrammes.
The windshield of the R8 GT is made of thinner glass; the bulkhead between the passenger cell and
engine compartment, as well as the window in the rear hatch are made of strong, light weight
polycarbonate. These three modifications saved nine kilogrammes. The fixed rear wing is good for an
additional 1.2 kilogrammes; thinner sheet metal and additional cut-outs shaved another 2.6 kilogrammes
from the aluminium hatch over the 100 litre luggage compartment at the front of the car.
The long rear hatch is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – an advantage of 6.6
kilogrammes. The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5
kilogrammes, respectively. With its minimal weight and extremely high strength, CFRP is the ideal
material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has broad-based expertise in its use.
The engineers also fought to shave every possible gramme of weight from the technical components of
R8. They shaved one kilogramme from the power brake system, four kilogrammes from the aluminium caps of
the brake discs and 9.4 kilogrammes from the battery. The engineers also found 2.3 kilogrammes in the
air intake module and 2.8 kilogrammes in the insulation of the engine compartment.
The interior also harboured substantial weight-savings potential. The new, light weight carpeting
accounts for 7.9 kilogrammes; the bucket seats with a chassis of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) account
for 31.5 kilogrammes. Numerous additional detailed measures targeted the interior, the exterior and the
technology, such as higher-grade, lighter steel for the exhaust system’s tailpipes.
Even sharper and more effective: the design
The design of the Audi R8 GT is the expression of concentrated power – a beautiful, technical
sculpture measuring 4.43 metres (14.53 ft) long, 1.93 metres (6.33 ft) wide and only 1.23 metres (4.04
ft) high. The exterior underwent numerous modifications that further sharpened the appearance. Many of
them also reduce the weight and enhance the aerodynamics. The Audi R8 GT produces even more downforce
when driven fast than the production model – without any increase in the Cd value (0.36) or frontal
area (1.99 m2).
The single-frame grille is finished in matt titanium grey; the grille is painted matt black. The
splitter under the bumper has a double lip and is made of carbon. Slender, curved flics at the corners
of the 'nose' increase the downforce on the front axle and are also made of a carbon fibre composite.
One highlight of the Audi R8 GT is the standard LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for
all functions. They produce bright, homogeneous light; have long service life and low energy consumption.
The headlights also have an attractive and distinctive appearance. The daytime running lights each
comprise 24 LEDs and appear as a continuous band. The reflectors are reminiscent of open mussel
shells.
The defining element of the side view is the sideblades, which direct air to the engine and in the R8
GT are also made of matt carbon. The same material is used for the reduced-size housing of the side
mirrors, which are mounted on an aluminium base. The 19 inch wheels feature an exclusive five twin-spoke
Y design in a titanium-look finish. The front mudguards sport “GT” badges.
The modifications to the rear of the car are particularly apparent, beginning with the fixed wing of
matt carbon. The ventilation louvres on both sides of the rear hatch and the CFRP bumper, which
integrates the large, round tailpipes and vents for the wheel wells, have been redesigned. The larger
diffuser is made of carbon fibre composite; the licence plate bezel and the wide slats at the rear are
in matt titanium grey. The tail lights, which also use LED technology, have dark housings with panes of
clear glass.
Audi offers the R8 GT in a choice of four body colours: Samoa Orange metallic, Suzuka Grey metallic,
Ice Silver metallic and Phantom Black pearl effect.
Breathtakingly powerful: the 412 kW 5.2 FSI
The modified V10, whose cylinder head covers are painted red, gives the Audi R8 GT breathtaking
performance. The R8 GT sprints from a standing start to highway speed in 3.6 seconds, and from zero to
200 km/h in 10.8 seconds. The thrust does not let up until the top speed of 320 km/h is reached (where
legal).
Changes to the engine electronics coaxed an additional 26 kW from the ten-cylinder, which now
produces 412 kW from a displacement of 5,204 cc. The torque curve peaks at 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm, 10 Nm
more than in the production version. The V10 has a specific power output of 79.2 kW per litre
displacement. Its power-to-weight ratio is 3.70 kilogrammes per kW or 2.72 kilogrammes per hp. The
engine redlines at 8,700 rpm.
The long-stroke engine (bore x stroke 84.5 x 92.8 millimetres), which is hand-built at the factory
in Györ, Hungary, features a crankcase made of a aluminium-silicon alloy that is both light weight and
very strong. A bedplate – a frame for the crankshaft bearing bridges – further enhances its rigidity.
The complete engine weighs only 258 kilogrammes. It is characterised by a cylinder angle of 90 degrees
and dry-sump lubrication, which uses a highly efficient oil pump module. Both solutions lower the
centre of gravity and thus improve driving dynamics.
The crankshaft is designed as a common pin shaft. The connecting rods of the opposing pistons engage
a common crankpin, resulting in alternating firing intervals of 54 and 90 degrees. This unique rhythm
gives the V10 its fascinating sound – a grand, technical music very much like that in racing. Two flaps
in the exhaust system modulate its volume and tone as a function of load and engine speed.
The normally aspirated engine consumes an average of 13.7 litres of fuel per 100 km – very good fuel
economy given the tremendous power. The FSI petrol direct injection system injects the fuel into the
combustion chambers at up to 120 bar of pressure. The turbulent mixture cools the cylinder walls,
enabling a compression ratio of 12.5:1. A variable intake manifold and the continuous adjustment of the
chain-driven camshafts ensure that the combustion chambers are fully filled. Flaps in the intake ports
facilitate the formation of the mixture by inducing a tumbling motion in the inflowing air.
The drivetrain: uncompromising traction
Gear changes in the Audi R8 GT are handled by the R tronic sequential manual transmission. The
electrohydraulic clutch and switching unit receive their commands electronically. It changes its six
gears much faster than a skilled driver ever could – within a tenth of a second at high load and engine
speed.
The electronic management system offers an automatic mode with the Sport and Normal characteristics,
and two manual levels. It is controlled using the short gear selector lever on the centre tunnel and
two paddles on the steering wheel. Maximum thrust when starting is ensured by Launch Control – a
programme that manages full acceleration with high engine speed and minimum wheel slip when starting.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is ideal technology for a high-performance sports car. The
central viscous coupling located at the front differential sends 15 per cent of the power to the front
axle and 85 per cent to the rear axle during normal driving. This split harmonises perfectly with the
Audi R8 GT’s 43:57 per cent weight distribution. The coupling sends as much as 30 per cent of the power
to the front wheels within milliseconds, if necessary. A mechanical locking differential at the rear
axle further improves traction. It provides up to 25 per cent lockup when accelerating and up to 40 per
cent on the overrun.
Chassis even tauter and more precise
The Audi R8 GT high-performance sports car is a driving machine with breathtaking lateral acceleration
and lightning-fast, nearly instantaneous reactions. Its engine is mid-mounted close to the vertical axis;
its mass is almost negligible during fast direction changes. The R8 GT is dynamic, precise and stable in
almost every situation.
The chassis follows the classic racing design – double wishbones made of aluminium locate the wheels.
The hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a direct 16.3:1 ratio and connects the driver
closely and precisely with the road. A manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body
by as much as 10 millimetres, is standard. Higher front and rear wheel camber rates make the handling a
tick more agile than with the standard model.
The 19 inch forged wheels are 8.5 J x 19 up front and 11 J x 19 at the rear, and are shod with size
235/35 and 295/30 tyres, respectively. Audi will mount 305/30 tyres together with optional wheels on the
rear axle upon request. Cup tyres, which offer the ultimate in performance on dry roads, are available
for racing enthusiasts.
Audi mounts internally ventilated, carbon fibre ceramic brake discs standard. They are extremely
durable and abrasion-resistant as well as particularly light weight. Together they weigh nine kilogrammes
less than their steel counterparts of the same size. They measure 380 millimetres in diameter up front
and 356 millimetres at the rear. The friction rings are bolted to the stainless steel caps via elastic
elements. Red anodised aluminium brake callipers – with six pistons up front – are exclusive to the R8
GT.
The ESP stabilisation programme has been specially tuned to the R8 GT and can be switched into a Sport
mode at the push of a button to allow spectacular, but safe, oversteer when accelerating out of a corner.
The driver can deactivate the system entirely for a trip to the race track.
Exclusive and dynamic: interior and equipment
At Audi, reducing weight means increasing performance and efficiency, but not sacrifice. The Audi R8
GT comes with an automatic climate control system and power windows, a navigation system with MMI
operating logic and a powerful sound system. A 465 watt, ten-channel Bang & Olufsen sound system, a CD
changer and the Audi Music Interface are available as options. As always with Audi, the interior shows
loving attention to detail. Rich materials spoil the occupants with a fine look and feel.
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The ergonomic interior is adorned in sporty black and dark grey. The steering wheel, the headliner,
the roof posts, the knee pad, the parking brake lever and the bucket seats are covered with Alcantara
accented with contrasting stitching. A synthetic sharkskin-look material that feels slightly rough to
the touch is applied to the bulkhead, the door liners, the instrument cowl and the dashboard. The
“monoposto” – the arch in the cockpit – is made of matt carbon.
The instrument cluster features white dials with “R8 GT” badges. The newly designed selector lever is
made of CFRP and aluminium; the centre tunnel and the door liners sport decorative inlays in the body
colour. The door sills feature trims of matt aluminium decorated with the “R8 GT” logo.
A number of exclusive features are available as options for the Audi R8 GT. Exterior options include two
alternative wheels, a body-colour front splitter and a CFRP engine compartment lining. Carbon elements on
the doors, the tunnel, in the cockpit and on the instrument panel are available as interior options. Others
include a multifunction leather steering wheel, seat belts in red, orange or grey, floor mats with the “R8
GT” logo and CFRP door sill trims illuminated in red. If desired, Audi will fit seats with carbon frames,
which are somewhat lighter than the CFRP shells. The Alcantara seat covers are optionally available with an
embroidered “R8 GT” logo.
A race package is available for racing enthusiasts. It includes a bolt-in roll bar in red or black, which
has both road and type approval, as well as road-approved four-point belts in red or black, a fire
extinguisher and a 'kill' switch for the battery. An optional front bar module for motor sports even
includes a rotary lock for the four-point seatbelt and turns the roll bar into a full cage. Buyers looking
for more comfort and convenience can choose phone preparation with an innovative belt microphone. Audi also
offers a full leather package, control elements in leather with contrasting stitching and a cruise control
system as options. The parking aid is included with the standard equipment.
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