Audi introduced us to its new R8 LMS at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and followed the intro up with a victory in the car at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Now the GT3-spec racecar is available to customer race teams who wish to join the Audi Sport family or replace their old R8 LMS, with production of customer cars set to commence on September 21.
The new R8 LMS will run privateer teams 359,000 euros before tax, or a little over $400,000 USD. It’s been homologated for several race series, including the FIA’s WEC and Blancpain GT Series, and features a full race-spec interior. Audi is also offering a starter parts pack with the car for racing, which will raise the price to 398,000 euros or around $527,000.
All R8 LMS racecars are powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 engine as the road car, however it has been slightly detuned for use in the racecar. It depends on the race series and Balance of Performance rules, but in its highest state of tune the R8 LMS’ engine produces 577 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Importantly, the engine can also cover 12,427 race miles before needing service.
Audi says it will build 45 R8 LMS racecars between September 21 and March 2016. The first deliveries are expected in late October, giving the race teams plenty of time to test the new package out before next year’s racing season.
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