Audi Contemplating Monitor-Centered R8 With RWD and GT3 Styling Cues
Audi Sport is contemplating a extra excessive model of the R8 that can retain its road-legal standing, albeit with quite a lot of visible and mechanical adjustments.
Set to construct on the success of the R8 RWS, it would change into a challenger to the likes of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT (R) Black Collection and was hinted to PistonHeads by the automaker’s efficiency division chief, Oliver Hoffman.
“We’ve got some good concepts for a extra excessive R8 as we all know the highly effective exterior design of our racing automobile is superb – folks need to drive this on the road”, he mentioned, a day earlier than the R8 LMS GT3 received the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. “The racing automobile engine is nearly equivalent to the highway automobile’s, in order that’s already confirmed, however we’ve got the GT3 drivers doing chassis testing for us. For instance, Frank Stippler, he’s driving our GT3 automobile and can also be our improvement man doing the Nurburgring testing for highway vehicles.”
Additionally Learn: Audi Rumored To Be Working On E-Tron GTR That Might Substitute The R8
Regardless of the apparent want to provide you with a track-focused variant of the R8, the rumored mannequin received’t get a significant energy overhaul. That’s as a result of Audi Sport isn’t considering electrifying the 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated V10; not for this technology not less than. As a substitute, it would deal with dealing with, with Hoffmann alluding to a GT3-derived chassis that includes suspension and brake upgrades, in addition to bodywork add-ons impressed by the racer.
On condition that the second-gen R8 has been round since 2015, with a refreshed model launched final 12 months, this spinoff may very well be a great way to ship it off. Talks are already underway for its successor, which appears to be getting a completely electrical powertrain and, after all, much more grunt to match its up to date appears.
In different associated information, Hoffman confirmed that, regardless of the success of the R8 RWS, different Audi RS fashions received’t get rear-wheel drive. They received’t even achieve a modified Quattro AWD system just like BMW’s xDrive that permits the brand new M5 to change into a tail-happy automobile on the push of a button.
Additionally, he admitted what was already on everybody’s minds: that the not too long ago launched SQ8 TDI will quickly be joined by the RS Q8, which will likely be Ingoldstadt’s prime SUV.
Observe: 2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 pictured
