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Audi Sport customer racing’s most recent product a sales success Highest level of synergies between production and racing In close vicinity to the Neckarsulm location, the 50th Audi R8 LMS GT4 was driven out of the assembly hall at “Audi Böllinger Höfe” in Heilbronn in mid-March. The GT4 model is a worldwide sales success and, like no other race car at Audi, benefits from synergies in terms of its technical concept and production in the flexible, low-volume manufacturing operation. Since deliveries began on December 15, 2017, Audi Sport customer racing has produced 50 race cars and further orders are on hand. The driverless transportation system moves a race car amidst the high-performance models for consumers through the special low-volume R8 manufacturing operation. What looks like an arranged photo subject is daily manufacturing routine at Audi Sport. The GT4 race car is actually produced at the same facility as the production version and passes through the same 15 cycles, from the body shop to the inspection station. There the same employees that approve the quality of the production model are responsible for quality inspection of the race car as well. Both versions share some 60 percent of their components. The kinship in the chassis and the powertrain areas is particularly close. The 5.2-liter V10 engine and the S tronic 7-speed double-clutch transmission of both models are near-identical. In terms of its chassis the race car benefits from the excellent genes of the road-approved car as well. 79 percent of the multi-material Audi Space Frame (ASF) consists of aluminum and 13 percent of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) which results in both high strength and light weight. For racing, it is provided with specific additional equipment for safety and service such as the steel roll cage or the air jack. The employees install these systems in the pre-production operation prior to cycling the car into the assembly line.

The R8 was Audi’s first super sports car and the result of a cooperation with subsidiary Lamborghini A total of 45,949 units have left the Neckarsulm and Böllinger Höfe plants since 2007 The final particular model is a pinnacle: the R8 V10 GT RWD with rear-wheel drive A super sports car legend takes its leave: In its 17 years, the Audi R8 has captured hearts and celebrated just as many successes. After 45,949 units produced, the final R8 rolled off the line at Böllinger Höfe in March 2024. A look back at an unparalleled success story. Breathtaking design, a tantalizing engine sound, and driving dynamics like no other road-legal Audi ever offered: When it was unveiled in 2006, the R8 was a revolution – in Germany and around the world. A mid-engine super sports car; never before had Audi offered such a vehicle. With the R8, Audi moved into more exclusive segments previously dominated by brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The Audi R8 was developed and built by the former quattro GmbH (today: Audi Sport GmbH). It immediately became the sporty icon in the company’s product portfolio and continues to contribute to the exclusive image of the Audi brand to this day. The R8 name refers to a successful race car that brought Audi more wins at Le Mans than any other manufacturer in history: In 1999, Audi launched its legendary Le Mans program with a sports prototype that started in the LMP900 class. The first name of this racing prototype was R8. It won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005, making it the Le Mans sports car with the most victories in modern history. The prototype claimed more victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race in the USA, which it won every year from 2000 to 2005. With these victories, Audi increased its prestige in international racing and laid the foundation for the road-legal R8 super sports car.

Market launch of Audi Sport customer racing’s most powerful model Green light for the fourth model range: Following the start of production, Audi Sport customer racing began deliveries of the first Audi R8 LMS GT2 cars shortly before Christmas. The race car will be assembled at Böllinger Höfe site – in the same factory as the road-approved models. It is directly derived from the Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro (combined fuel consumption l/100 km*: 13.3; combined CO₂ emissions g/km: 301). “With the Audi R8 LMS GT2 we’re opening up a new chapter in our history,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “Starting in 2020, the GT2 class will enhance the world of GT racing by another valuable new category that immediately got a foothold on three continents. In addition, the race car is ideally suited for track days. In spite of its very specific concept design there are many things it has in common with the production model. They allow us to closely integrate the manufacturing process, which we are very proud of.” Delivering output of 470 kW (640 hp), it is the most powerful model ever to have been offered by Audi Sport customer racing. In manufacturing, there are significant synergies between it and the Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro production model (combined fuel consumption l/100 km*: 13.3; combined CO₂ emissions: 301): The race car is largely produced at Böllinger Höfe at the Neckarsulm location. Only the operational pre-delivery preparation is performed by Audi Sport customer racing at the Heilbronn district of Biberach. Customers receive the race car in Suzuka-Gray including the tapered black glossy roof that is characteristic of the GT2 version. The car, which is available ready to race from 338,000 euros (excluding VAT), can be fielded in the GT2 Sports Club America, the GT2 Sports Club Europe and the GT2 Sports Club Asia starting in 2020.

The racing car has won the 24 Hours on the Nürburgring five times since 2012 Edition model pays tribute to the legendary victories in the “Green Hell” Paint finish in Tioman green, interior with Alcantara and exclusive contrasting stitching V10 naturally aspirated engine with 620 PS, zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.1 seconds The Audi R8 LMS has notched up five overall victories since 2012 in the 24 Hours on the Nürburgring – the “Green Hell” –, which is regarded as one of the world’s toughest and most popular endurance races. As a tribute to the great success story, Audi Sport GmbH is presenting a limited special edition of the road sports car at this year’s race on the Nürburgring – the R8 green hell. “We are synonymous with high performance – in both series production and motorsport,” says Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The R8 road sports car and the R8 LMS racing car were designed and developed jointly; around half of their parts are identical. The R8 green hell edition model draws on the proximity to motorsport, while also paying tribute to our legendary victories on the Nürburgring.” The close connection between road sports car and racing car is also underscored at this year’s 24 Hours on the Nürburgring race. The GT3 racing car with number 1, which is used by the Audi Sport Team Phoenix, is visually adapted to the R8 green hell with its foil wrap in dark green. Nico Müller/Frank Stippler/Dries Vanthoor/Frédéric Vervisch (CH/D/B/B), all of whom have won the race at least once, are the four Audi drivers that will take turns behind the wheel of the R8 LMS. Two-time winner Frank Stippler in particular, who knows the “Green Hell” better than most, has close ties with the R8.

Convertible top model with 449 kW (610 hp); 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.3 seconds Performance mode, R8 bucket seats, ceramic brake system and carbon components included as standard equipment Exclusive design package with special exterior color The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.5 l/100 km [18.8 US mpg]; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 292 [469.9 g/mi]) from the workshop of Audi Sport GmbH is the fastest series-production convertible model from the brand with the four rings. Its unmistakable 610 hp V10 mid-engine offers intense driving performance and powers the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The standard performance program, R8 bucket seats and many components made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer distinguish this high-performance sports car, with its exclusive micrommata green paint finish giving it an even more cutting-edge look. “The Audi R8 Spyder V10 plus completes the R8 model line,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The Spyder is now also available as a 610 hp top version in addition to the Coupé. It benefits from our many years of experience in motorsport and combines breathtaking dynamics with the emotion of an open-top sports car.” The most powerful series-production engine from Audi: V10 mid-engine with 449 kW (610 hp) Incredibly high revving up to 8,700 rpm, lightning-quick responsiveness and an awe-inspiring, voluminous sound – the V10 mid-engine is an object of fascination. With 449 kW (610 hp) and maximum torque of 560 Newton meters at 6,500 revolutions per minute, it is the most powerful series-production engine from the brand with the four rings. Compared with the Audi R8 Spyder V10 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.7 [20.1 mpg] combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 277 [445.8 g/mi]), the naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine, with a high 12.7:1 compression ratio in the plus version, features a 52 kW (70 hp) boost in performance.

First electrically powered Audi produced in Germany Production in Neckarsulm combines high tech and craftsmanship e-tron GT and Audi R8 travel through the same assembly line Gran Turismo sounds powerful and progressive thanks to own e-sound Passion for detail, maximum precision, and top quality: The new Audi e-tron GT reflects all the passion with which Audi develops and builds cars. For the production of the electrically powered Gran Turismo at Audi Böllinger Höfe at the Neckarsulm site, the company uses customized new technologies – however, the finishing touches are applied by highly skilled hands. And since the dynamic work of art must also sound good, Audi has brought musical flair and technical competence to bear in composing a unique sound for the e-tron GT. It sounds powerful and progressive – just as an Audi should. Production of the Audi e-tron GT The Audi e-tron GT is the brand’s first fully electric car to be built in Germany. The Gran Turismo will start rolling off the production line at Audi Böllinger Höfe at the Neckarsulm site at the end of 2020. The small-series production facility has been expanded, upgraded, and converted for its new role. The skilled craftsmanship from the previous facility has been retained and is supplemented by digital processes and smart technologies. During the expansion, production planners made use of new virtual methods. The tests of the work procedures on the assembly line and the logistic processes were conducted in the virtual domain for the first time, with container planning also performed with the help of VR technology. Production of the e-tron GT was designed without physical prototypes – a first at Audi. Large areas of the body of the all-electric Gran Turismo are constructed from ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum.

Victory and runner-up’s spot in championship for the Audi R8 LMS ultra in Italy Prominent guests attend DTM finale at Hockenheim A word from Jamie GreenA successful motorsport weekend for Audi: Not only in the DTM did the brand with the four rings celebrate victories. Audi customer teams achieved success and podium places with the Audi R8 LMS in Germany, Italy and New Zealand as well. Audi Sport Italia runner-up in the Championship In the finale of the Italian GT Championship at Mugello, Audi Sport Italia in a fiercely competitive field made up of eight different marques secured the runner-up’s spot in the manufacturers’ classification. The foundation for this success was laid by the Italian driver duo Andrea Amici and Marco Mapelli in the Audi R8 LMS ultra with victory in race one. The #7 sports car started the second race from pole position. In the end, Amici/Mapelli notched up another podium success in second place. Dindo Capello (I) and Emanuele Zonzini (RSM) in the sister car rounded off the positive result, as the pairing achieved third place in race two. VLN: New Audi R8 LMS in second place Podium success for Twin Busch Motorsport in round nine of the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring. For the first time, the Audi customer team had fielded a new Audi R8 LMS together with Audi Sport customer racing in order to prepare for the commitments planned for 2016.

The R8 V10 performance RWD is manufactured – predominantly by hand – at the “Böllinger Höfe” sports car production facility in Heilbronn, not far from Neckarsulm, Audi’s second location in Germany. The Audi R8 has been manufactured here since 2014, and in 2019 the factory was expanded as well as upgraded and converted to accommodate the Audi e-tron GT. As a result, Audi’s two most powerful and fastest production models of all time are now being built here. “Manufacturing two vehicles that are so technologically different on one assembly line is unique across the group,” noted production manager Wolfgang Schanz. “With the integration of the all-electric four-door coupe, our small-scale production facility at Audi's Böllinger Höfe has transformed into a highly flexible high-tech production facility that nevertheless retains its small-scale character.” The LMS GT4 race car, which is directly derived from the production model and uses around 60 percent of the same parts, is also built at the site. Up to 1,000 highly qualified employees work in sports car production here on around 40,000 square meters of production space.