autoevolution
 

2016 Audi R8 LMS Races into GT3 with Stiffer Chassis and Extra Safety Features

At the same time as unveiling its brand new R8 supercar, Audi's quattro division has shown an all-new R8 LMS race car at the Geneva Motor Show. It's a hardcore track tool built by the same folks who made the Le Mans winning R18, but without the silly hybrid tech. It was driven onto the stage by female racing driver Rahel Frey, a 29-year old who grabbed the DTM wheel at the start of the 2013 season.
2016 Audi R8 LMS 14 photos
Photo: S. Baldauf / R. Kah
2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS2016 Audi R8 LMS
First things first, let's talk about the specs. The R8 LMS actually has less power than the production R8 V10 Plus. That's because racing regulations impose a maximum output of 585 PS. The engine is nearly unchanged from the old generation and with a rebuild interval of 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles), it's one of the most resilient GT3 contestants around.

However, the new racing car is 25 kg (55 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at 1,225 kg (2,700 lbs). At the same time, the torsional stiffness of the stressed frame has increased by 39 percent.

The first impression we got in Geneva is that the widebody kit puts the new design of the R8 in a better light. Boxy front fenders and a big wing at the back almost remind us of the Ur Quattro, while the white and gray paintjob is the same as that of the Audi TT Sport Cup car.

Audi engineers have also worked to make the R8 LMS safer. A new seat has been designed and it also 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.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories