2012 Audi R8 LMS ultra revealed

Posted on 28 November 2011. Tags: Audi R8, Audi R8 LMS ultra

In 2012, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will succeed the successful R8 LMS GT3 sports car with which R8 LMS customers have won 115 races and 12 national and international titles in the space of just three years.

Quattro GmbH focused on several central areas. New doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams not only help reduce the race car’s weight even further but also result in another increase in passive safety. The new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, which is now part of the standard equipment, serves this purpose as well. It offers perfect protection and clearly surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads.

An updated transmission provides additional reserves on long-distance runs. A new exhaust system equipped with race catalytic converters helps improve the engine’s characteristics. The V10 mid-engine can draw on even higher torque at lower engine speeds. The 5.2-liter unit delivers 570 HP, depending on restrictor regulations.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used. As of the next season, development partner Michelin will be offering wider – 30-65/18 – tires, which allow more consistent lap times to be achieved. Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels improves the durability of the braking system.

Aerodynamic improvements include wider front hood, that has been optionally provided with louvers, subject to permission by the homologation rules for the various racing series. The new rear wing has been widened and now features larger end plates. A new front plate with optimized diffusion under the front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.

The selling price of the Audi R8 LMS ultra is EUR 329,900.00 plus VAT. Deliveries will commence in March 2012.

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