Hit The Road with Audi R8 GT

The new model of Audi R8 GT is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine situated in the middle capable of developing 560 horsepower. The unit can be found in a monocoque chassis made of aluminum and magnesium. All the output is being sent to the wheels through a sequential transmission that enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and to reach a top speed of 200 mph. The specialists have turned their attention towards the suspension and brakes and so upgraded them to handle the extra power. In terms of transmission, the automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system received their own set of commands, to ease the job of the driver.

In terms of cosmetic elements, on the Audi R8 are a lot of changes made. The performance was the only one improved. It seems that Audi will build only 333 units and sold worldwide. 90 of them are prepared for the North American customers. The R8 GT model had its official public display at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The starting price will be $196.800 without the $1.250 destination charge. This means the new model will cost $87.000 more in comparison with the entry-level R8 4.2-liter FSI and $39.000 more than the standard R8 5.2 FSI coupe. The new Audi R8 GT will be offered in four very special colors: Suzuka Gray, Ice Silver, Phantom Black and Samoa Orange. On the inside it features lightweight Alcantara. Full leather is also optional. Carbon fiber accents can be seen on the doors and dashboard. Bad news for the North American customers though. The 90 units prepared for them will not be equipped with the Sparco bucket seats, 4-point racing harness, ignition kill switch and red roll cage. The sports cars producer managed to decrease the weight of the model by 180 pounds of the standard 5.2 Coupe. The reduction comes from the rear bumper, rear hatch, carpeting, battery, hood, rear spoiler and side blades. The R8 5.2 units are offered with a choice between a traditional gated 6-speed manual and an R-Tronic 6-speed single-clutch sequential automatic. These options are not available for the R8 GT. The carmaker said the new R8 GT will be capable of reaching an aerodynamically limited top speed of 199 mph. The full-time Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system is actually "to blame" for the impressive acceleration time. The model runs on 19-inch forged alloy wheels covered in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires measuring 235/35R19 on the front axle and 295/30R19 on the rear one. Also, the adaptive electronic suspension has been replaced with standard Bilstein coilovers improving the tuning and handling. Apart from the ECU tuning, the new Audi R8 features specially made exhaust headers and also new mufflers. Because of its mid-engine balance, accurate steering and tenacious all-wheel drive grip, the GT is very easy to drive at the limit. The carmaker built the model to offer pleasure of driving and it will not set any track records, for sure. According to Audi, this model is the fastest, lightest and most powerful supercar in its lineup. The German specialists did a very good job.