2023 Audi R8 Coupe GT RWD Is An Oversteering Final Hurrah For The V10 And (N)ICE Sounds

Audi is saying goodbye to the V10 engine by bringing again the R8 GT, a limited-production, lightened, and honed model of their supercar that has been factory-approved for oversteery antics, straight out of the field.

Restricted to only 333 examples worldwide, the 2023 Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10, with 612 hp (456 kW / 620 PS) and 417 lb-ft (565 Nm) of torque. Every automotive will function a sequential numbering, whereas the swansong channels its GT-racer siblings by sporting a carbon physique package and shaving off 44 lbs (20 kg) off the curb weight.

Energy Upped To Quattro Ranges 

For the V10’s swansong, the RWD chassis options the uprated energy figures from the R8 Quattro. With 620 PS, that makes the GT some 50 HP (37 kW / 50 PS) extra highly effective than the entry-level R8 Efficiency RWD. That beefier 10-cylinder lump can also be good for 417 lb-ft (565 Nm) of torque (11 lb-ft / 15 Nm greater than the bottom RWD) out there from 6,400 till 7,000 rpm, sitting as essentially the most highly effective rear-wheel drive unit in Audi’s historical past.

See Additionally: 2022 Audi R8 V10 Efficiency RWD Brings A New Normal 

Energy is distributed to the rear wheels by a tweaked 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The shift occasions have been tightened for the GT, whereas the boffins have adjusted the gear rations to supply higher acceleration and a better high velocity.

The R8 will get to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds — 0.4 seconds faster than the RWD Coupe, however a tad shy of the Quattro’s 3.1-second timing. The GT will go on to hit 124 mph (200 km/h) in 10.1 seconds and maxes out at a high velocity of 199 mph (320 km/h).

“Managed Oversteering” As Normal 

Audi is leaning into the trendy “Drift Mode” choices which might be changing into widespread amongst fanatic automobiles, providing “exact and managed oversteering” through a button on the steering wheel. This prompts the brand new Torque Rear Drive mode. It offers the motive force a selection of seven totally different pre-determined profiles to help in getting the rear to step out sideways.

Audi says the system makes use of the traction management to modulate the slippage on provide. On the identical time, wheel velocity sensors, steering angle, accelerator pedal place, and the chosen gear are all monitored to regulate output to the rear axle.

Weight Misplaced, Dealing with Improved 

As solely becoming with hardcore renditions, the R8 GT has been placed on a crash weight-reduction plan to shave off 44 lbs (20 kg). General weight now sits at 3,461 lbs (1570 kg), with a number of alterations made to the automotive. These embrace unique and light-weight, 20-inch motorsport-inspired wheels (that are shod in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires). Plus, ceramic brakes and bucket seats are customary, each of which add to the weight-saving measures.

Associated: Audi R8 Alternative Shaping Up To Be Electrical 

The entrance suspension elements have seen kilos shed, too, whereas being designed to enhance dealing with — particularly, the entrance anti-roll bar and its connecting rods. The anti-roll bar is now made out of carbon fiber strengthened plastic (CFRP). In the meantime, the 2 coupling rod connections are product of purple anodized aluminum.

If that’s not sufficient for the racer inside, Audi is completely happy to promote you a set of sportier R8 GT coil-overs, which include the flexibility to regulate compression and rebound ranges.

The GT’s Second Coming 

The 2023 Audi R8 Coupe RWD GT goals to imitate the previous in a variety of methods. Billed because the second era GT, the restricted variety of 333 items is identical as the unique supplied some 12 years in the past.

The R8 GT additionally is available in the identical Matte Suzuka Gray shade because the first-gen (Tangorot Metallic and Daytona Grey Metallic are additionally on provide). Inside, the homage theme continues, with purple and black used liberally and the trademark purple seat belts from the unique making a return.

Externally, the R8 GT received’t go unnoticed by keen-eyed automotive spotters. The supercar’s emblems, together with the “R8 GT” lettering on the rear, are completed in black. In the meantime, it sports activities a carbon bodykit consisting of a entrance splitter, flics, aspect skirt covers, components on the perimeters of the rear bumper, and a diffuser — all completed in excessive gloss. The rear wing sees related therapy, that includes its personal gooseneck suspension to enhance wing underflow.

Naturally, all the aero additions have been examined in a wind tunnel to make sure they contribute in direction of producing a extra steady package deal on the street.

Pricing And Availablity 

The Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD will arrive in European dealerships from 2023. Costs begin at €225,000 (round $221,000 at present change charges) in Germany. However, with simply 333 out there, you higher get your orders in fast.