The Audi R8 GT shows just how brilliant the German manufacturer's supercar can be. With various visual adjustments to show that this car breaks away from the run-of-the-mill V8 R8, the new R8 GT will only see 333 examples worldwide. According to Audi, "150 units will come to the United States market". A true limited edition the R8 GT marks something truly special for Audi as a brand. A rear-wheel drive halo car, completely unlike their usual Quattro offerings.
With an asking price of $249,000 the Audi R8 GT sits at the top of the R8 hierarchy. This rear-wheel drive car matches' the car's Quattro-based sibling's power. In acceleration the car falls slighlty behind but with the change in drivetrain vastly improves the car's driving engagement.
This rear-wheel drive supercar shows Audi can offer as much fun as a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
The Audi R8 GT Is A Legend In Audi's History
A somewhat controversial car the R8 will soon leave the market. Audi's run-out special the R8 GT will mark the end of this 16-year run across two generations. Many struggle to classify the R8. Not exotic enough to take the title of a supercar like many a Porsche it presents supercar-level performance with a blend of daily driveability. The everyday supercar. Perhaps the V8 models seem like sports cars but the V10-powered models share the heart of a Lamborghini.
With both the car's first generation which sold from 2006 to 2015 and the second car from 2015, the R8 shared much of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracan respectively. Underneath the R8 always had true supercar credentials. However certain model's in the R8's history have a little more going for them.
According to Classic, an aggregator of used car prices, the original Audi R8 in its base V8 form has an average value of $74,672. The V10 model has an average price of over $110,000. The ultra-rare V10 GT from the first generation averages just shy of $100,000 and just over for the convertible spyder version. This first R8 GT truly stood out among Audi's models. On a harsh diet, the GT weighs 85kg less and topped out at 197mph. With 560 horsepower this took the place at the top of the R8 ladder along with the R-Tronic automated manual, a relative of Lamborghini's infamous e-gear. Audi only made 333 of this special model.
The New Audi R8 GT Marks The End Of The R8's Production
Just like the previous R8 to wear the GT badge this special model from Audi will mark the pinnacle of this R8 generation. In fact with the brand moving towards EVs, this car will mark the pinnacle of the internal combustion engined R8. According to Audi USA, the company "pays tribute to the first generation Audi R8 GT from 2012 by announcing the arrival of the all-new R8 GT". Just like the car before it Audi will make 333, with 150 of these destined for the United States.
Making this car particularly special Audi USA writes, "Audi Sport GmbH engineers heightened the performance of the R8 GT model to 602 horsepower – now matching the R8 performance Quattro model". Previous RWD R8s received less power either in the form of a V8 of the down-tuned V10. The R8 Performance RWD Edition for 2022 produces 570 horsepower.
Often naysayers of the R8 draw attention to the car's Quattro system, a hallmark of Audi. However still not the most engaging of systems. The car's rear-wheel drive system remedies this offering a more engaging experience. Now available with the full power of the Audi R8 this car presents the driveability of the R8 but with the pure driving engagement of a more traditional supercar from the likes of Ferrari.
The R8 GT Offers Exhilarating Performance
In regards to pure technical specification, the R8 GT for 2022 boasts impressive features. Most importantly that 3.3 second 0-60mph time and the top speed of 199 mph. Slightly behind the Quattro-equipped car's 3.1 seconds 60mph sprint. Although it still seems like Audi must hold back the model so it doesn't step on the toes of its stablemate the Huracan.
The car improves on the previous GT with the addition of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The car itself attempts to make a powerful rear-wheel drive car less intimidating. Audi introduces a Torque Rear mode adjustment, with 7 levels allowing for different amounts of wheelspin. Effectively Audi has a way of easing their customer's into the nuances of high-performance rear-wheel drive cars. A driver can change this with a selector that's on the steering wheel.
The interior sees various tweaks. Notably features from the previous R8 GT, including red seatbelts and a sequential number on the selector lever. The model comes in three colors, Tango Red Metallic, Daytona Gray Metallic, and Mythos Black.
Just like its forebear, the new R8 GT has a lightweight design. Weight savings in various places combine with a saving of 55 lbs. This largely comes from two switches, an engine that draws its inspiration from the R8 LMS racecar as well as racing-inspired lightweight alloys.