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New Audi R8 LMS Completes First Public Tests at Nurburgring

After being shown at the beginning of the month, Audi's brand new R8 LMS race car has made its first public outing during the test sessions at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, as the German car prepares for its 24-hour race debut in May.
Audi R8 LMS 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
During the VLN test day, drivers Frank Stippler and Markus Winkelhock got behind the wheel of the car and together managed to do 250 miles without major problems. Although the bodywork is completely new and mirrors the 2016 second-generation R8, the engine is the same as before, so there weren't any reliability problems.

“There were many inquisitive looks and keen interest when we were on track with the new R8 LMS in the VLN Test and Set-up Session on the Nürburgring,” said Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. "We’re aiming to have developed a fully matured car by the time of the Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 16 and 17 that fits the requirements of the Nordschleife well and will be competitive as soon as possible.”

The new racing car is 25 kg (55 lbs) lighter than its predecessor at 1,225 kg (2,700 lbs). Audi says that compared to the old chassis, the new one is 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter at 252 kg (555 lbs). At the same time, the torsional stiffness of the frame has increased by 39 percent. The aerodynamics have also been improved, but the biggest change is in the safety department.

A new seat has been designed for the R8 race car and bolts directly to the chassis for better stiffness. A new type of rescue system is also in place, where the driver is more easily pulled out through the roof, minimizing the risk of neck injuries.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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