Audi unveils race-prepped R8

Audi is seemingly doing a Porsche by developing a race-prepped version of its stunning mid-engined R8 sportster.

The R8 racer is designed for a 'customer sport programme' and it's due to make its competitive debut in the 2009 season.

Audi factory driver Frank Biela was involved in developing the car, which complies with FIA GT3 regulations (enabling the R8 to be entered in a variety of national and international race series), and customer deliveries will begin in April 2009.

As GT3 regulations prohibit the use of all-wheel drive, the R8 racer's drivetrain has been modified to a rear-drive format, bringing it in line with the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3.

The Ingolstadt brand hasn't revealed too much info about the powerplant, other than announcing the 4.2-litre V8 will kick out in excess of 500 horses (373kW). By comparison, the 911 GT3 puts out 305kW.

Drive is relayed to the rear wheels via a "newly developed" six-speed sequential sports gearbox, and the suspension is said to retain "components from the production line".

Visually, there's no mistaking it for the bogger R8, thanks to its massive wing, rear diffuser, tarmac-scraping front spoiler and lashings of carbon-fibre accoutrements.

Also discernible are the full rollcage and stripped-out interior, which houses not too much, other than a pair of Recaro race seats and a bespoke steering wheel.

Audi adds: "A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track."

The race-prepped R8, which bears the project name 'R16' within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport, and the first prototype recently completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

Audi says the first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season, and customer deliveries are scheduled to start next April.

"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme," said Audi's motorsport boss, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

"Ever since the R8 was unveiled we've been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

Looks pretty damn tasty to us. Wonder if Audi will be kind enough to put one of these on the press fleet? Perhaps if we ask really nicely...

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