Flashback Friday: R8 LMS GT4 Racecar's Debut

The Big Debut

After an eight-year run with the Audi R8 LMS GT3, and it is time to welcome the new Audi R8 LMS GT4 to the track. The R8 LMS GT4 made its official debut at the New York Auto Show in 2017. The R8 line has been extremely popular as a race car, with models tweaked to meet the rules of various racing organizations around the world.

The R8 LMS GT4

The Audi R8 LMS GT4 is designed as entry-level race cars more closely related to the street model than the GT3 version. Even though they are extremely capable of killing on the track, they share most of their components with the regular Audi R8s. The suspensions, body, and engine receive some modifications to prepare them for racing, but the foundation is the familiar Audi R8. They even roll down the factory assembly line.

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

The Heart of the R8 LMS GT4

Under the hood of the new Audi R8 LMS GT4 is a 5.2-liter V10 engine like that in the street car. The engine develops 495 horsepower, and instead of Quattro all-wheel-drive found in most Audis, the GT4 sends the power strictly to the rear wheels with the help of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is part of what they have to do to make it legal for the GT4 class, which does not allow AWD. 

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

The Idea Behind the R8 LMS GT4

Audi's goal was to create a race car that is available for anybody willing to write a big check, however, they worked to be sure it was extremely safe. The new GT4 shares 60% of the stock R8 parts, which makes it not only safe but more affordable. Owning this car will allow you to race an Audi with various Porsches, BMWs, Aston Martins, and other in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge GT class, the Pirelli World Challenge GTS class, and eleven other GT4-spec sports car series at international sports car events. 

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

Safety Features

To make this the perfect race car for the average customer, Audi made an impressive effort to equip the R8 GT4 with forwarding thinking track safety features. Unique to the race car is an adjustable seat and roof escape hatch, which assists in rescue in the case of an accident on the track. Of course, there is an added steel roll-cage, which is never found in a streetcar. Another part of the complete safety package is reduced fire risk thanks to splash-free fueling, as well as a safety fuel cell.

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

Pricing and Drop Date

As far as we know, Audi is still testing the new R8 LMS GT4 on various tracks, so we are not quite sure when it will be available for customers, but at least we get to watch it race. As for pricing, it hasn't been officially announced as of yet, however, you can expect it to cost around $230,000 ready to race, which is half of what the more extreme Audi R8 LMS GT3 costs.

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

GT4's First Race

If you're like the rest of us, then you're anxious to see this mostly stock R8 LMS GT4 on the race track. Well, the GT4's racing debut is May 25th to May 28th at the 24 hours Nurburgring. Order up some bratwurst, pretzels, and beer, and stay up all night watching it online via Livestream, which already has the 9 hours of qualification runs here.

>>Join the conversation about the New Audi R8 LMS GT4 Racecar right here in the Audi World Forum!

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