Looking to start your own race team? Audi can help. The German automaker's customer racing division offers the RS3 LMS, the R8 LMS GT3, and now the R8 LMS GT4 as well.
Unveiled a few months ago at the New York Auto Show, the R8 LMS GT4 is now available to order for deliveries commencing in December. And starting at 198,000 euros, it presents a compellingly complete package for the racing startup.
The GT4 model is based closely on the production supercar. In fact it retains 60 percent of the same components as its road-going counterpart – including the 5.2-liter V10 engine, here producing 495 horsepower to meet GT4 class regulations.
Where it sets itself apart is with the other 40 percent. Since the rule book prohibits the use of all-wheel drive, the R8 LMS GT4's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission drives the rear wheels with a mechanical limited slip differential. The dampers and stabilizers are adjustable, the brakes are recalibrated for track duty, and the steering system is lifted from the GT3 version.
The wheels are specific to the LMS, there's a tire-pressure monitor available, the fuel tank has been replaced by an FT3 cell, and the interior is completely stripped out and fitted with all manner of competition-spec safety systems – including a full roll cage, PS3 bucket seat, six-point harness, escape hatch in the roof, and more.
Those are some extensive upgrades, even for the entry level of GT racing. But the R8 LMS GT4 will be up against some stiff competition – even from within Germany –including similarly prepared versions of the BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Porsche Cayman. That's to say nothing of so many others from around the world, from the Chevy Camaro to the Aston Martin Vantage.
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