Audi R8 has been the key driving force behind establishing Audi as a manufacturer of performance cars. The sportscar has seen two generations over the span of the last 16 years and multiple models. However, all good things have to come to an end and the mid-engined sportscar will soon be phased out in 2023. The R8 will be replaced by an all-electric sportscar which is still some time away. This implies that it is our final chance to see the naturally aspirated V10 engine in all its glory. To celebrate this, Audi has revealed the R8 GT as the final goodbye.
Limited to just 333 units, the final variant of the R8 is the most expensive Audi ever. Painted in an exclusive matte Suzuka Gray color, the R8 GT gets a bunch of cosmetic upgrades over the standard model. The wheels are 20-inch forged units wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires and ceramic brakes. The new aerodynamic body kit is made in carbon fiber and the swan neck spoiler gets a similar treatment. It also comes with blacked-out Four Rings and an ‘R8 GT’ badge at the back to remind you how special this iteration of the R8 is.
The interior comes with a black theme with red accents. There is a numbered plaque below the gear lever which indicates its exclusivity. The seats get ‘R8 GT’ stitched on them in the color red, and the belts are finished the same color. Lastly, the door sill and floor mat also get the same ‘R8 GT’ badge in red.
The biggest talking point of the R8 has to be the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 612 hp and 565 nm of torque. It comes mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch automatic gearbox with reworked ratios and the power is sent to the rear wheels making it the most powerful rear-driven Audi ever. Thanks to the carbon fiber stabilizer bar at the front axle and other weight savings, the R8 GT weighs in at 1570 kg. 0-100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds while 0-200 km/h comes up in 10.1 seconds. The top speed is rated at 320 km/h. The R8 GT comes with a ‘Torque Rear Drive’ mode that offers 7 levels of ‘slippage’. Understandably, level one offers low slippage whereas level seven offers lots of slippage. This system distributes power to the rear axle by judging the road conditions using wheels sensors, accelerator input, steering rack, and ECU.
Audi has allocated limited numbers of R8 GT to each country and we are not sure if the Indian roads will ever be graced by one. However, the R8 GT marks the end of an era and the mid-engined sportscar will surely be missed. Here’s hoping that the electric R8 successor carries on some of that essence.
