Body

The car on which the Audi R8 GT is based – the R8 5.2 FSI quattro – adheres strictly to Audi’s lightweight construction philosophy, weighing just 1,625 kilograms (3,583 lb) with the standard quattro drive but without the driver. In keeping with the classic ASF technology, its body is made of aluminum. Cast nodes and extruded sections form a very high-strength frame, to which the aluminum body panels are joined by means of positive and friction connections. Ultra lightweight magnesium is used as the material for the engine frame.

The space frame body, which is largely hand-built in a complex fabrication process at the production shop at the Neckarsulm site, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb). It is very crash-worthy, and lays the foundation for the uncompromisingly precise handling and high vibrational comfort of the Audi R8 GT.

In light of this background, the mandate to save another 100 kilograms (220 lb) of weight was a great challenge for the Audi engineers. They solved it in their own characteristic way – with high-tech expertise and an approach that incorporated every field of technology. In the end the scales came to rest at 1,525 kilograms (3,362 lb) without the driver.

The windshield of the R8 GT is made of thinner glass. The bulkhead between the passenger cell and the engine compartment is made of a strong, lightweight polycarbonate, as is the window in the rear hatch that allows the V10 engine to be seen in all its technical glory. These three modifications amount to a weight reduction of nine kilograms (19.84 lb). The Audi engineers used thinner sheet metal and additional cutouts to shave 2.6 kilograms (5.73 lb) from the aluminum hatch over the 100 liter (3.53 cu ft) luggage compartment at the front of the car.

The rear hatch of the high-performance sports car also had a lot to do with the weight reduction. It is a self-supporting structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic – an advantage of 6.6 kilograms (14.55 lb). The rear bumper and the sideblades of this same material save an additional 5.2 and 1.5 kilograms (11.46 and 3.31 lb), respectively. With its minimal weight and extremely high strength, CFRP is the ideal material for a high-performance sports car, and Audi has broad-based experience in its use.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.