2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 is Ready to Go Racing

Audi Sport has unveiled the latest evolution of its R8 LMS GT3 race car at the 2019 Paris Motor Show.

The 2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 is the fourth new model in as many years from Audi Sport customer racing, with deliveries starting in November at a starting price of 398,000 euros ($459,380 USD / $588,970 CAD). The company will also offer an evolution kit for retrofitting older-generation models at a cost of 28,000 euros ($32,320 USD / $41,435 CAD).

Changes to the Audi R8 LMS GT3 wasn’t revolutionary, with Audi Sport aiming to provide customers with an even better technical base than before. The race car sees its aerodynamics and cooling getting further optimized, resulting in greater consistency under various dynamic driving conditions. Audi Sport also concentrated on the durability of the drivetrain, resulting in longer service intervals for the clutch and transmission. All the changes can be retrofitted on the second-generation Audi R8 LMS race car.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Paris Motor Show Coverage

Aerodynamic improvements to the R8 LMS GT3 include modified body styling and a new splitter, creating more consistent downforce. Engineers also targeted higher consistency when it comes to brake cooling, with improved airflow to the rear brake system and more efficient dissipation of hot air from the ventilated disc brakes. These changes help prevent the wheels from overheating in racing operations.

Drivetrain changes include improvements to the three-plate clutch, with wear protection for the clutch spring extending the rebuild interval by more than 50 percent. The gear teeth and bearings have also been revised and reinforced.

“In developing the evolution of the car, we’ve put even greater focus on our customers and their needs,” says Chris Reinke. “The pre-design stage for the second evolution of our current model generation centered on many discussions with our teams.”

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