Racing and production benefit from each other: this often-quoted claim is perfectly embodied by the Audi R8 Coupé* and the Audi R8 LMS, because the production model and the racing version are closely akin to each other.

Born on the track. Built for the road: Audi Sport carries the genes from motorsport to the road, and no other model embodies this idea as consistently as the Audi R8. The Audi R8 V10 plus is the strongest and fastest production Audi ever. Its development was characterized by a close cooperation between racing engineers, racers and engineers from the Technical Development Department. The production model and race car share a common basis.

For example, the chassis: The close connection between the production and the race car starts with the design stage and ends with manufacturing. The Audi R8 is made at a production site that has specifically been established for the sports car – the Böllinger Höfe industrial park in Heilbronn. In addition to the production model, the chassis of the race car is produced at the factory. The sports car is subsequently completed with racing-specific components. For the assembly of individual motorsport components, the racing chassis is removed from the production line and then reintroduced again.

For example, the lightweight design: The Audi Space Frame (ASF) body features a completely new multi-material lightweight design. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components form the B-pillars, the center tunnel and the rear wall. The front end, the roof arch and the rear end are assembled as a framework of cast aluminum nodes and profiles, some of which consist of new alloys. As in any ASF, every component has been precisely designed for its place and purpose. For example, the developers have integrated a number of components in the bodyshell according to their respective functions. The bodyshell is now 15 percent lighter than that of the predecessor. At the same time, the torsional stiffness of the production model is 40 percent higher. Particularly in terms of stiffness, the body of the new Audi R8 sets standards. The resulting quality of the lightweight design is the benchmark among competitors. The race car is precisely based on this ASF body as well. Complemented by a steel roll cage, the new chassis in the race car is 30 kilograms lighter than the predecessor’s.

For example, the engine: The ten-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the engine plant in Győr, Hungary. The engines for both the road-going and the racing version are almost completely identical. The standard dry-sump lubrication is a classic motorsport technology. It allows for low installation of the unit which benefits the center of gravity. In addition, it ensures oil supply even in conditions of extreme lateral acceleration. As a result, the engine offers reserves that are completely sufficient for racing purposes as well. The robust V10 in racing has been designed for a service interval of 10,000 kilometers and 20,000 kilometers for the first rebuild. Many teams use the engine for further cycles. These unusually high figures are a crucial advantage for many teams in analyzing the cost effectiveness of the race car.