Audi launches racing version of R8

Not content with taking the fight to Porsche 911 on the road with its R8 sportscar, Audi has released details of a new race ready version it will sell to customers in time for the 2009 season.

Designed to compete in the FIA's GT3 class, the new R8 will go head-to-head with Porsche's highly successful 911 racer, along with other established machinery.

Codenamed R16, the new Audi race car has to do without the road car's quattro four-wheel drive to be eligible for the GT3 class. It also features a new six-speed sequential gearbox, though Audi insists that most of the car's suspension and chassis components come from current production models.

Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich told us: "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we've been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

Other than the lack of four-wheel drive, the R8 race car will feature extra safety equipment, a modified front end and a massive rear wing to help stick the car to the track at speed.

Customers will begin to receive their cars later this year, with the first race outing for the R8 likely to be in the 2009 season.

At this stage Audi has no plans to offer a rear-wheel drive version of the road going R8, though rumours suggest that a more powerful V10-engined version is in the works.

Shane O' Donoghue