Audi has revealed the R8 LMS, designed and built to meet the 2016 GT3 race regulations. Lighter and safer than its predecessor the R8 LMS will make its competition debut at the Nurburgring on 16th May. Customer cars for privateer race teams will be available to order later this year.
Exterior
Work has been done to improve the aerodynamics; the underfloor is fully lined with integrated rear diffuser. The rear wing has been reduced in size because of the underbody changes. Wider wheel arches are open at their trailing edges to improve airflow. There is also a larger grille to allow more air to pass through the radiator. To keep the driver cool the supply of fresh air to the interior at racing speeds is also improved.
Mechanicals
The 5.2-litre V10 engine develops 585ps and comes off the same production line as the motor fitted to the production R8. Rebuild intervals for the race powerplant are set at 20,000 km, which is long for a racing unit. A new, lighter, more efficient six-speed racing gearbox is fitted. Also new is the control system that manages the engine, traction control and electro-hydraulic gearshift.
Crash protection is provided by a modified front-end structure and carbon fibre reinforced plastics crash element at the rear. A safety feature borrowed from the company's Le Mans Prototype cars is the Audi Protection Seat PS 1, which is attached to the chassis for greater stiffness - the pedals and steering column adjust to accommodate different drivers. Another safety feature, borrowed from DTM racing machines, is the rescue opening in the roof, which allows the driver's helmet to be removed after an accident with reduced risk of spinal injuries.
The new car weighs 25kg less than its predecessor at 1,225kg even with the new safety features. Features like an integrated steel roll-cage contribute to a chassis that is 39 per cent stiffer than before. Audi hopes the new car can beat the old R8 LMS's competition record of 26 GT3 championship victories and seven wins in 24-hour races in a five-year period.
Anything else?
Audi hopes the new car can beat the old R8 LMS's competition record of 26 GT3 championship victories and seven wins in 24-hour races in a five-year period.