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Audi R8

Audi hands over first R8 GT to customer

  • Delivery of the exclusive high-performance sports car has begun
  • Limited production run of 333 vehicles already sold out worldwide
  • Systematic lightweight design ensures breathtaking performance

The first of 333 Audi R8 GT vehicles has hit the road: A customer from the UK received the keys for his Phantom Black high-performance sports car today at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm. The limited-edition, top-of-the-line model of the R8 family is built in a production shop at the Neckarsulm site and was sold out worldwide just a few weeks after market launch. The 560 hp R8 GT will be delivered to customers in 23 countries, primarily in Europe, the United States and Middle Eastern markets.

The R8 GT takes 3.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and 10.8 seconds to reach 200 km/h (124.27 mph). This breathtaking performance is due in no small part to its systematic lightweight design. Its hand-built aluminum body featuring an Audi Space Frame (ASF) tips the scales at just 210 kilograms (463 lb). With extensive fine-tuning and the use of carbon-fiber composites (CFC), the Audi engineers were able to reduce the weight of the high-performance sports car by 100 kilograms (220 lb) versus the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro.

The result is a curb weight of just 1,525 kilograms (3,362 lb) and an extremely sporty power-to-weight ratio of 2.72 kilograms per hp. The 5.2-liter V10 in the R8 GT now has an increased output of 412 kW (560 hp). The mid-engine sports car never loses its composure as it delivers its power to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the lightning-fast shifts of its R tronic transmission. The Audi R8 GT has a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph).

The limited edition further underscores its exclusive status with visual modifications to the interior and exterior, including newly designed bumpers in CFC and bucket seats with a chassis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). In Germany, the base price of the Audi R8 GT was €193,000. Average fuel consumption is 13.9 liters per 100 kilometers (16.92 US mpg).

Audi RS5, Audi R8

Audi adds even more power for best ever Silverstone driving experience

Latest RS models and R8 V10 bring over 1,300PS to new format Audi driver training events at world famous race circuit

  • New format Audi Driving Experience using TT RS, RS 5 and R8 V10 high performance stars begins in April and runs through to October
  • Course price of £499 inc VAT includes plenty of tuition time behind the wheel of all course cars, plus a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit
  • A range of dates available to book by calling 08000 274787 or emailing info@ade.audi.co.uk

Dreams of deftly tackling Silverstone in the formidable Audi R8 V10 can now be lived out in all their glory as part of the Audi Driving Experience, the 2011 version of which not only includes plenty of circuit time in the celebrated ten-cylinder, 187mph super car, but also the 450PS RS 5 and 340PS TT RS coupes.

This thrilling line-up, which delivers an exceptional combined output of 1,315PS, has been placed in the extremely capable hands of race and rally-proven Audi Driving Experience instructors, who provide expert insight into the key aspects of safer, more rewarding driving. Throughout the day-long event they are on hand to train drivers in every aspect of car control, including managing understeer and oversteer, high speed lane changes and avoidance manoeuvres and general methods for balancing the car to extract the very best from its chassis.

Tuition begins with ABS braking, slalom and cornering techniques, after which drivers can enjoy ample lap time behind the wheel of the R8 and the other course cars at gradually increasing speeds, all the while receiving technique tips via two-way radio from the instructor in the ‘pace car’ on the track.

The thrilling conclusion to this action packed day is a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit given by the Audi Driving Experience instructors, which will leave guests in no doubt as to the significant advantages in grip, stability and overall control the quattro all-wheel-drive system holds over more traditional sports car drive configurations.

Respect for speed
The Audi Driving Experience is of course about more than just thrills though. The graduated on-circuit training and incident simulation will be invaluable to drivers of all classes of car as a means of preparing for the ‘worst case scenario’ in complete safety, and will also instil a greater respect for, and understanding of, speed and its implications.

Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks, a firm believer in the benefits of specialist driver training, says: “Power outputs in our range are rising, and thanks to advances in quattro drive and our increasing use of high-tech materials in production our cars are becoming lighter and ever more agile, so they are offering more and more for keen drivers to enjoy. This training is designed not only to ensure that they do exactly that, but also do it as safely as possible. I would encourage everyone – enthusiast or not – to take the time to come and polish their technique.”

The full-day Audi Driving Experience can accommodate up to 30 guests each day, and takes place on specific dates through to October of this year. It costs £499 including VAT and is open to all Audi enthusiasts aged over 21 holding a driver’s licence containing no more than eight penalty endorsements. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and break-time refreshments all freshly prepared on site. Spectators are welcome to attend at a cost of £79 including VAT per person, however places are limited so early booking is advisable. .

On completion of the Audi Driving Experience course at Silverstone, guests also have the option to progress to the International Audi Driving Experience, featuring circuit-based days in famous locations such as Germany’s challenging Nurburgring Nordschliefe circuit and Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya, as well as winter driving training in Scandinavia.

For full details of all the courses, customers can visit www.audi.co.uk, click on ‘About Audi’ on the home page and then select ‘Audi driving experiences’. More information on course dates and availability can also be obtained by calling the dedicated Audi Driving Experience Hotline on 08000 274787.