Audi R8 LMS GT2 Headed to a Track Near You

Let the Fun Begin

We, along with a host of racing fans and drivers, have been looking forward to the Audi R8 LMS GT2 for quite some time now. But that wait is finally over. The automaker recently announced that deliveries of its R8 Spyder-based GT2 car have begun, which means that we'll be seeing them populate our local tracks in the near future.

Photos: Audi 

Quick Timeline

The exciting new model is set to make its customer racing debut in SRO’s GT Sports Club regional championships next year. It was just unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this past summer, making its racing debut at the Blancpain GT Sports Club season finale in Barcelona in September.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

Latest Offering

The latest Audi racing machine will be eligible to race in the GT Sports Club America, GT2 Sports Club Europe, and GT2 Sports Club Asia series. It'll coexist with Audi's current Evo models built to GT3 and GT4 specification, and carries a price tag of $375,000.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

Specific Design

“With the Audi R8 LMS GT2 we’re opening up a new chapter in our history,” said Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “Starting in 2020, the GT2 class will enhance the world of GT racing by another valuable new category that immediately got a foothold on three continents. In addition, the race car is ideally suited for track days. In spite of its very specific concept design, there are many things it has in common with the production model. They allow us to closely integrate the manufacturing process, which we are very proud of.” 

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

Drawing Comparisons

Producing 640 horsepower from its V10 powerplant, the R8 LMS GT2 is the most powerful model ever offered by Audi Sport customer racing. It also shares a considerable number of parts with its road-going counterpart, the Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro. In fact, it's largely produced at Böllinger Höfe at the Neckarsulm location. Only the operational pre-delivery preparation is performed by Audi Sport customer racing at the Heilbronn district of Biberach.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

Finding a Niche

All R8 LMS GT2 models are delivered to customers finished in Suzuka Gray with a tapered black glossy roof that is characteristic of the GT2 version. And most importantly, the car was specifically developed for drivers who appreciate the race car’s high longitudinal dynamics. With the increasing popularity of track day events and entire race resorts, it figures to be a big hit among both existing drivers and those who aspire to be one.

Photos: Audi  

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

Making New Drivers

Most importantly, the R8 LMS GT2 is just another example of Audi's dedication to the world of motorsport. It's a fantastic way for amateur racers to get into the sport as well, thanks to its reasonable asking price. And recruiting more people to the track is something that we can all certainly get behind.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about the LMS GT2 R8 right here in Audiworld.com.

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