2011 AUDI R8 GT 560HP LIMITED-EDITION
AUDI ANNOUNCES 560HP R8 GT LIMITED-EDITION
Audi has presented a limited-production version of it R8 sports car; the R8 GT. The output of its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to 560hp; vehicle weight has been reduced by roughly 220.46 lb. The R8 GT accelerates from 0-62mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 198.84mph.
The genes of the R8 LMS 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 knob.
Thanks to the ASF body, the production R8 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 3,582.51 lb with quattro all-wheel drive and optional R tronic transmission. This made it all the more difficult for the engineers to 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 3,362.05 lb.
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, lightweight polycarbonate. These three modifications saved 19.84 lb. The fixed rear wing is good for an additional 2.65 lb; thinner sheet metal and additional cutouts shaved 5.73 lb from the aluminum hatch.
The long rear hatch is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) - an advantage of14.55 lb. The rear bumper and side blades of this same material save an additional 11.46 and 3.31 lb, respectively. With its minimal weight and extremely high strength, CFRP is the ideal material for a high-performance sports car.
The engineers also fought to shave every possible ounce of weight from the technical components of R8. They shaved 2.20 lb from the power brake system, 8.82 lb from the aluminum caps of the brake rotors and 20.72 lb from the battery. The engineers also found 5.07 lb in the air intake module and 6.17 lb in the insulation of the engine compartment.
The interior also harbored substantial weight-savings potential. The new, lightweight carpeting accounts for 17.42 lb; the bucket seats with a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) chassis account for 69.45 lb. Numerous additional detailed measures targeted the interior, the exterior and the technology, such as higher-grade, lighter steel for the exhaust system's tailpipes.
The exterior underwent numerous modifications that further sharpened the appearance. Many of them also reduce the weight and enhance the aerodynamics. The R8 GT produces more downforce than the production model - without any increase in the Cd value (0.36).
The frame of the grille, its struts and the slats in the air intakes are finished in matte titanium gray; the grille is matte black. The splitter under the bumper has a double lip and is made of carbon. Slender, curved flicks at the corners of the nose increase the downforce on the front axle and are also a carbon fiber composite.
One highlight of the R8 GT is the standard LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions. 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 side blades, which direct air to the engine and are also made of matte carbon in the R8 GT. The same material is used for the smaller mirrors, which are mounted on an aluminum base. The 19-inch wheels feature an exclusive five twin-spoke Y design in a titanium-look finish. The front fenders sport "GT" badges.
The modifications to the rear of the car are particularly apparent, beginning with the fixed wing in matte carbon. The ventilation louvers 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 fiber composite; the license plate bezel and the wide slats at the rear are in matte titanium gray. The tail lights, which also use LED technology, have dark housings with panes of clear glass.