Overview of Audi R8 GT

Audi produced the R8 GT as a high-performing car for the first time in 2012. While that Vehicle outperformed all its predecessors, this time, again, Audi boasted a 5.2-liter V-10 in the R8 GT, and it will most likely be the final model of this lineup. Though Audi continued the pace with the R8 spyder and coupe, the 2023 R8 GT is believed to be the last one of its variants.

Like its very first model, this vehicle didn't fail to impress. It is smooth, controllable, has sharp handling, and is super easy to drive. This car looks evil in the metal, with pure menace and carbon fiber. It has a fast-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in the GT.

What more does this vehicle carry? We will see that in this article.

,Origin and Evolution

German automobile manufacturer Audi developed the first generation of the R8 sports car concept in 2003. Its production started in June 2006, and the Audi R8 Type 42 was the first generation of this R8 series. This vehicle shared most of its parts with Lamborghini as its manufacturer; Volkswagen Group is Audi's parent company. However, the production of Type 42 ceased in 2015, and the Type 4S replaced it.

Audi R8 was initially equipped with a V8 Engine capable of generating 317 lbs-ft of torque. Later, we had the Audi R8 V10 coupe in 2008, which continued until 2012. There was also an R8 Spyder in between until the R8 GT was introduced in the 2010 Wörthersee Tour.

This vehicle was introduced as a high-performing variant of the Audi R8 V10. The R8 GT had a 5.2 L V10 engine with a quattro four-wheel drive system. There was about a 100 kg reduction in weight from its previous model and a lot more engine power. Thanks to these features, the R8 GT had an increased top speed of 199 mph.

Though this vehicle had some unique features and specs, only 333 units were produced for the model year 2012. Ninety teams went to the US market, while 35 were sent to the UK.

Fast forward to 2023, Audi launched another R8 GT that, yet again, features distinctive elements and became popular in no time.

Let us learn more in-depth about the specifications and features the 2023 R8 GT is equipped with.

,Power, Performance, and Efficiency

The 2023 GT R8 is one of the few rear yet the most potent rear-wheel drives. This vehicle was previously all-wheel drive. Under the hood, you will find the 5.2-liter V-10. Now, it can make 602 horsepower, 40 horses more than the regular R8.

This vehicle sheds much of its weight at different points, 117 pounds lighter than the all-wheel drive variant, making it a total of 3,454 lbs. There are also a few differences between the European and US models. For instance, the US model gets a fixed-height suspension, while the European one features an adjustable coilover suspension.

With a more robust engine comes a faster acceleration time, in which the vehicle reaches 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Though it is still more than that taken by Porsche 911 this time, its engine sounds a lot different and more muted.

It is also the only R8 that gets the Torque Rear. However, this feature doesn't prevent spin. A control knob for the Torque Rear on the left spoke of the steering that, when pressed, puts the vehicle in performance mode. The knob, when moved clockwise, goes from position one through seven, thus increasing the amount of rear-wheel slip. For understanding, running at 15 mph, position one allows 20 percent slip only. While at 90 mph, no title is tolerated at all.

,Exploring the Interior Features

The Audi R8 GT has excellent attention to detail, with seats with rich materials that give the vehicle a refined look. You will mostly find dark gray and black throughout the interior.

Different parts, like the knee pad, the roof posts, the headline, etc., are covered in Alcantara and accented with contrasting stitching, with three color options.

There are also small LED lights throughout the interior that make a fantastic ambiance.

Color Options

Given that the Audi R8 GT is a limited series model, choices for exterior colors are pretty restricted. Potential buyers have only three exterior shades to choose from:

● Daytona Gray Metallic

● Tango Red Metallic

● Mythos Black metallic

With its sporty, luxurious character, the interior color choices are also limited, with owners choosing two sophisticated options, including a classic black and sporty red. This color palette might restrict personalization, but it boasts exclusivity.

,Space and Storage in Audi R8 GT

There is not much space to cherish in the Audi R8 GT. While its two seats are spacious and present much space, its front end features 3.53 cubic feet of cargo space even for taller individuals. For the rear bulkhead houses, there are three storage compartments available.

Safety Features

The Audi R8 GT has top-notch safety, and driver assistance features that keep you safe. You will find stability control, side-impact, front-impact, and overhead airbags; anti-lock brakes that increase the vehicle's ability to turn when braking; knee airbags; pretensioners that tighten seatbelts automatically; and a security system that detects unwanted vehicle intrusion. The Audi R8 GT also has an ignition turn-off device, which prevents the vehicle's engine from starting when the right manufacturer key is not used to unlock or start the car.

,Audi R8 GT Specifications

Audi R8 GT’s Stand Among Competitors

In the high-performance sports car segment, the Audi R8 GT competes strongly with the Porsche 911 GT3 and Lamborghini Huracán. The former is known for precise handling and track-focused performance, offering a flat-six engine and rear-wheel drive. Despite the R8 GT having a V10 engine, the 911 GT3 gives intense competition for driver engagement and precision on the track.

Similarly, the Lamborghini Huracán is another strong rival that shares its platform with the Audi R8. These vehicles come with an outstanding design and possess the same V10 engines. For better power and a more aggressive driving experience, you need to move towards Huracán, particularly towards its high-performing variant like Huracán Performance.

Pros

✓ Carbon-fiber components are used to reduce weight.

✓ The rear-wheel drive configuration allows dynamic handling.

✓ The powerful V10 engine gives outstanding performance.

✓ Comes with performance-oriented features to improve the driving experience.

Cons

✘ Not as track-focused as most of its competitors

✘ The vehicle costs a fortune.

✘ It comes in limited color options for the US market.

,Decoding Fuel Economy of Audi R8 GT

The 2023 Audi R8 GT is rated at 17 mpg combined city and highway, 14 mpg city, and 21 mpg on the road.

Though the fuel efficiency is relatively low considering the car's kind, we must remember that such high-performing sports cars come with exceptional speed, power, and performance while compromising fuel efficiency.

Pricing

This powerful rear-wheel drive vehicle has a starting price of $253,260 in the US. This vehicle is limited to only 333 units that will be sold around the world. However, the price is $91,895 more than the regular rear-wheel drive R8 coupe.

,Drive Abilities

Apart from the Torque Rear drift mode discussed earlier, the Audi R8 GT is a step above the Dynamic setting, which is its performance mode. This vehicle became edgy and more responsive, with precise steering and throttle control. It allows the driver to coordinate inputs well for various driving conditions. This vehicle drives amazingly apart from the rear end, occasionally coming around during braking or throttle application. Though this vehicle might not come even close to most Lamborghini models, it has an impressive performance and a unique identity.

,Conclusion

Audi R8, the GT RWD, finally marks the end of an era, and it is the last time we see this iconic Audi featuring an internal combustion engine. The future models will likely be all-electric, which is indeed the need of time. This vehicle is going places, featuring rear-wheel drive and 602 horses, giving a thrilling driving experience that balances everyday usability and performance. It is a competitive vehicle in its segment, having outstanding acceleration and fantastic handling capabilities. Undoubtedly, the 2023 Audi R8 GT is a piece of automotive history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Audi R8 GT a supercar?

The Audi R8 GT indeed covers all the criteria of being a supercar. This vehicle uses the old recipe, taking parts from a Volkswagen AG subsidiary.