The Audi R8 GT is 180lbs lighter than the standard R8 5.2 V10.  In the final installment of R8 GT Week we find out how they did it.  Scroll down and enjoy!

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One of the biggest reasons why the R8 is loved so much is the fact that you can get a ton of performance in a package that still seems to work well for casual driving.  It is almost like Audi found a way to give a little bit of everything a gear head would want in a car without taking anything away.  In part 3 of Audi R8 GT week we get a little insight of how they pulled off such a feat.

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Shark Week is a officially at an end and Audi R8 GT Week has officially begun!  We were a little bit slow on the up-take yesterday but scroll down below to see parts 1 and 2 of R8 GT goodness.  Part one features Audi factory driver Emanuele Pirro (who also happens to be a 5 time LeMans champion) takes the R8 GT through its paces and attempts to explain why the R8 GT is that much better than the already awesome R8.  In part two Emanuele talks about the design aspects of the R8 GT and reveals that along with his team they got an early look at “mock ups” of the car.  We can’t wait to see what Audi has for us for the rest of R8 GT Week.

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R8 GT Week Part 1

R8 GT Week Part 2

We saw advertisements for Shark Week all over X Games and the advertisements for Shark Week have been running constantly for the last month but today Shark Week is coming to a close.  However, Audi has decided to keep preditors in the lime light by dedicating next week to the R8 GT on Audi USA YouTube channel.  Each day between August 8th and 12th Audi will release a new video of the R8 GT terrorising unsuspecting sports cars and probably people at different race tracks all over the world.  Just stay tuned to their YouTube channel or here at MotorworldHype each day for the vids!  If you want to see a teaser of what’s to come then scroll down!

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Press Release:

Aug 5, 2011 , HERNDON, Va.

Forget the sharks. Audi will offer its fans R8 GT content with real bite next week

Cable television is replete with specials that concentrate viewer attention on topics as diverse as sharks and cupcakes over the course of seven days. In that spirit, Audi is declaring next week “R8 GT Week” to celebrate the arrival of a limited-edition supercar with real bite and a profile that can only be described as sweet.

Between Monday, Aug. 8 and Friday, Aug. 12, Audi will release daily video segments that highlight the exceptional performance and the emotional styling of the newest addition to the acclaimed Audi R8 lineup. Filmed at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., the videos feature legendary Audi racer Emanuele Pirro providing his impressions of the Audi R8 GT.

Pirro offers a unique perspective on Audi performance since he won three of his five 24 Hours of Le Mans victories while driving the Audi R8 LMP1 prototype racecar.

“When I drove the R8, I thought it was impossible to produce something better,” Pirro said. “Well, Audi surprised me once again by building the limited-edition R8 GT. The result is a fantastic car both on the race track and on the road which is very difficult to achieve. It is a fantastic pleasure to drive this car.”

The video series will be featured across the rapidly growing Audi USA social media platforms. Next week’s video series will be hosted on the Audi R8 Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Audi-R8/225986164093977) where previews of Audi R8 GT segments can be found today.

Additionally, each installment will be posted on the Audi USA YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/audiusa). Regular updates will be featured on the @audi Twitter profile, and downloads will be available at www.audiusanews.com.
Overall, the Audi R8 GT represents the engineering attention to detail for which Audi is known. It joins the R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupe and Spyder models as the pinnacle of Audi performance. Production is limited to 333 units worldwide with only 90 vehicles destined for the U.S., making the Audi R8 GT an attractive performance machine for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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Fresh off their win at LeMans Audi has released the R8 GT for the 2012 model year.  When I first learned about this I immediately got excited and then that faded away when I realized I will probably never own one of these!  Even if someone had the $196,800 to buy one, Audi is only producing 333 units worldwide!  And only 90 of those will be sold here in America.  What does that mean? It means that by the time you are done reading this they will all be sold out.  So if you want one you better track down someone who already puchased one and come up with a magnificant argument as to why they should sell their R8 GT to you.  If you’re too lazy for any of that then just do what I do and check out pictures!

Press Release:

Jun 17, 2011 , HERNDON, Va.

The new 2012 Audi R8 GT

Audi has created the very special, limited-edition R8 GT for the 2012 MY. The R8 GT builds on the award-winning R8 Coupe and Spyder and represents the pinnacle of performance in the Audi model line. This is the first limited production sports car produced by Audi, and only 333 units will be built worldwide with 90 units destined for the U.S. Each R8 GT has its production number displayed on the gear shift. The R8 GT starting price is $196,800.

The exceptional performance characteristics of the Audi R8 GT are the result of a combination of advanced, lightweight materials and increased power. Audi has taken its 5.2 liter V10 and boosted output to 560 hp, generating 398 lb-ft of torque and propelling the vehicle from 0-60 in an exhilarating 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 198.84 mph, and red lining at 8700 rpm. The combination of quattro® permanent all-wheel drive and the performance tuned suspension ensure that the power of the R8 GT is translated to the road, while the R tronic® sequential gearbox with paddle shifters provides responsive gear changes.

R8 GT performance is greatly enhanced through the use of carbon fiber and aerodynamic improvements. The carbon fiber front bumper features aerodynamic flics at the front corners, increasing down force on the front axle, while the stationary carbon fiber rear wing and diffuser increase down force on the rear axle and shave 11.5 lb off the production version R8 V10. Carbon fiber elements are used strategically throughout the body to reduce weight further.

Weight optimization was performed on virtually every component and body part, including the battery, air intakes and braking system. The rear hatch has been optimized to save 17.6 lb of vehicle weight. In total, the R8 GT is approximately 180 lb lighter than the formidable R8 V10.

The matte carbon fiber monoposto cockpit, with perfectly placed controls, defines the driver-oriented interior. Alcantara® surfaces and appointments are standard on the seats, steering wheel, hand brake, knee pad and headliner, all adorned with a choice of three contrasting stitching colors. Creating a seamless look from outside to inside, exterior color accents have been carried over to the interior.

ASF® frame technology makes use of aluminum throughout the body and helps maintain the low, overall weight of the R8 GT. ASF also helps increase vehicle rigidity for improved handling and performance.

While designed for performance, the R8 GT interior also exudes refinement offering available Audi MMI® Navigation, automatic air conditioning, and premium sound system.

Of course, extraordinary performance requires a measure of safety, always a priority with Audi. The R8 GT features Electronic Stability Control (ESC), energy absorbing reinforcements in the front and rear and a full complement of air bags. A tire pressure monitoring system helps ensure that owners are warned if pressure falls below a preset threshold.

Key points

The Audi R8 GT is an exceptionally performing sports car representing the engineering attention to detail for which Audi is known. It joins the R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes and Spyders as the pinnacle of Audi performance models. Production is limited to 333 worldwide with only 90 vehicles destined for the U.S., making the R8 GT an attractive performance machine for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Drivetrain

5.2 liter FSI® V10 generating 560 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed R tronic sequential transmission with launch control

• Finely-tuned, high-end sport suspension

• Servotronic hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with speed-dependent power assistance

Exterior

• ASF technology and aluminum body, resulting in an extremely rigid and high-strength frame

• Double wishbone, aluminum front and rear suspension

• Specially designed 19-inch forged wheels

• Available Audi carbon ceramic brakes with perforated brake discs and red anodized brake calipers

• Extensive use of carbon fiber, including front double splitter lip at the base of the bumper, side blades that direct air to the engine, the fixed rear spoiler, side mirror covers, and rear bumper and diffuser

• While everything from the body to the gear shifter was optimized to save weight, the major weight saving components are (in lb):

o Lightweight Battery – 20.7

o Carpeting – 17.4

o Rear hatch – 12.8

o Rear bumper and diffuser – 17.6

o Braking system – 8.8

o Air intake system – 5.0

o Hood – 5.3

o Side blades – 3.3

o Rear fixed spoiler – 3.3

• Full LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear lights

• U.S. curb weight: 3,538 lb

• Dimensions:

o Length: 174.6 in

o Width: 76 in (without mirrors), 79.9 with mirrors

o Height: 49.0 in

o Luggage capacity: 3.53 cu ft

o Coefficient of Drag = 0.36

Interior

• Specially designed and numbered R tronic shifter with a carbon fiber stalk

• Carbon fiber matte monoposto arch spans the cockpit

• Illuminated door sill inserts available featuring the R8 GT emblem

• R8 GT emblem on the instrument cluster that features white backlit gauges

• Focus on use of lightweight materials such as rich looking Alcantara surfaces, which cover the multifunctional sport steering wheel, headliner, roof posts, knee pad, handbrake lever, and sport seats; a full leather package is available

• 10-way power, heated front sport seats with head rests that feature the Audi backguard system

Technology

• Audi MMI Navigation plus, including real time traffic

• Premium audio system, with an available 12-speaker, 465 watt, Bang and Olufsen® sound system

• Audi music interface for connecting mobile devices available

Safety

• Driver, passenger full size airbags

• Driver, passenger seat mounted head and chest side airbags

• Driver, passenger knee bags

• Rigid body shell utilizing ASF technology, front and rear crumple zones

• Audi backguard system helps protect occupant’s upper body and supports the head during early stage of impact

• Fuel supply is shut off, battery cable is interrupted if a crash occurs

• ESC

About Audi of America

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

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Audi has announced that the pure awesome that is the R8 GT will have a paltry MSRP of $196,800.  A steal right? OK, I know it sounds like I’m joking but when you think about it $196k is a great price for what you get in this car.  A 5.2 liter V10 with 560HP that weighs nothing and goes faster than donuts at a police convention? Yes, please!  Especially when you consider that the other new supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador and the McLaren MP4-12C are both significantly north of $200k.

The down side is only 333 R8 GTs will be built for the worldwide market and worse news is only 90 of those are coming stateside.  So, even if you have the cash you have probably already been beaten to the punch by the time you finish reading this.  Bummer!  But hey, an Audi R8 GT on the second hand market is still an Audi R8 GT!

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