Audi managed to shave an impressive 100 kg (220 lbs) of the standard R8 5.2 FSI, with R8 GT tipping the scales at 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs). This was achieved by using lighter materials wherever possible and ditching heavy components. The rear hatch is made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), cutting 6.6 kilograms (14.55 lb). The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 lb), respectively.
German engineers managed to find 35 extra horsepower and 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft) for a total output of 560 horsepower and 540Nm or 398.3 lb-ft of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. All of that power is delivered to the four wheels through a 6-speed R tronic sequential manual transmission. Under normal traction conditions 15 percent of the power is sent to the front axle and 85 percent to the rear axle.
The R8 GT also gets retuned manually adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the body by as much as 10 millimeters (0.39 in). It also gets a specially tuned ESP stabilization program with Sport mode.
Stopping power is provided by carbon ceramic brakes that measure 380 millimeters (14.96 in) up front and 356 millimeters (14.02 in) at the rear. The GT sits on 19-inch forged alloys wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 at the back. On demand, Audi can fit 305/30 tires and bigger wheels on the rear axle.
Google News