MANIAC AUDI R8 GT HEADS FOR MZANSI. AT A PRICE...

Audi South Africa is introducing the Audi R8 GT to the South African market in the third quarter of 2011. This new member of the R8 family is a limited-production version of Audi’s high-performance sports car; the GT is more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and faster.
 

The output of its 5.2-liter V10 engine has been increased to 412 kW while vehicle weight has been reduced by 100 kilograms. The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h. The R8 GT Coupe shows an improvement on the performance of the R8 V10 Coupe which launches from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds to a top speed of 316 km/h with an output of 386 kW. The efficient direct-injection engine consumes only 13.9 litres of fuel per 100 km on average

Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the Audi R8 GT drastically when compared to the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. Including quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi high-performance sports car tips the scales at just 1,525 kilograms, for a power-to-weight ratio of only 2.72 kilograms. In addition to the aluminium Audi Space Frame body, a number of new components made of carbon fibre composite play a decisive role in the car’s reduced weight.

The Audi R8 GT is fitted with the R tronic transmission, which can be controlled via gear shift paddles on the steering wheel. The automated manual transmission offers the advantage of a manual gearbox with high efficiency, compact dimensions and low weight. The R tronic also features the “Launch Control” program, which enables the R8 GT to spring into action in spectacular style.

With its longitudinally mounted mid-engine, the Audi R8 GT has a weight distribution of 43:57, and its quattro powertrain accordingly sends a majority of
the power to the rear axle.

The series is limited to 333 units globally with a total of seven units allocated to the South African market. Orders have been secured for all seven units. The exclusively rare Audi R8 GT will be on display at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show in October.

STORY BY AUDI