Advantages of the extreme production design

The road going sportscar based on the lightweight aluminium Audi Space FrameAudi Space FrameThe Audi Space Frame is a high-strength aluminium frame structure into which all panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function.Audi Space Frame (ASF) with its conceptual roots in racing provides the perfect basis for motorsport. Whether chassis structure, engine position, suspension or brakes – many elements could be carried over entirely from the production line or with small modifications. quattro GmbH takes a standard production chassis from the production line in Neckarsulm as base for every R8 LMS. After the roll-cage is fitted the R8 LMS is completed at the quattro GmbH. The Audi Hungaria Kft. production line in Györ provides the 500 hp plus V10 engine. Audi Sport in Ingolstadt assumes absolute responsibility for project development.

Many active safety elements

Like every Audi the Audi R8 LMS also guarantees first-class safety. The sportscar designed for customer sport offers exceptional active safety. The range starts with the most prominent external features, the standard lighting system with Xenon plusXenon plusXenon plus headlights provide a higher level of safety during night-time driving or in bad weather – with the added benefit of low power consumption.Xenon plus headlights and LED tail lights. A race ABS, the minutely adjustable traction control (ASR) and the specially tuned suspension take every demand into consideration. The steering and seat are further active safety elements. The steering column length and angle can be adjusted, and the Recaro bucket seat moves longitudinally to allow drivers of different statures sharing a car to sit perfectly.

During a race, drivers must never remove their hands from the steering wheel since the production six-speed gearbox adapted for racing purposes is activated by shift paddles. For this purpose Audi successfully transferred technology from professional racing: the pneumatic system required for such gear-shift procedures originated from the R10 TDITDISynonymous with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical.TDI race car. Finally, the complex rapid refuelling system from Stäubli ensures splash-free fuelling and helps to prevent possible burn injuries. The standard production all-wheel drive quattro – another active safety feature – is however unfortunately prohibited by the regulations.

Technology transfer from other projects

The pneumatic gearbox control from the Audi R10 TDI is not the only technology to have found its way from professional projects into the customer sport programme. The petrol direct injection – originally tested by Audi for the first time in the R8 sports prototype in 2001 – is a characteristic feature of the Audi R8 LMS and many Audi road going cars. The rear-wing profile of the R8 LMS is almost identical to the corresponding R10 TDI aerodynamic component. Indispensable for Audi, even if not specified by the regulations, are the two race catalytic converters fitted to the R8 LMS.

Ten-cylinder power plant

The R8 LMS is powered by a 500 hp plus V10 engine. Derived from a production unit, the race engine is ideally suited for racing purposes. The normally aspirated unit is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle of the Audi R8 LMS. However, when fitted as mid-engine it requires a different layout to the front engine version used in the S6 and S8 models. The capacity is 5.2 litres. The two cylinder-heads each house a pair of camshafts operating the four valves per cylinder. The relatively compact and light engine is equipped with petrol direct injection FSIFSIGetting more out of every drop of petrol.FSI , a racing version of which booked wins from 2001 at Le Mans as power unit for the R8 sports prototype. It allows higher compression in the R8 LMS V10 power plant and guarantees an excellent power output.

Huge effort for environment and sport

In addition to other modifications Audi fundamentally re-worked the exhaust system for motorsport use. The lightened exhaust manifolds on the right and left cylinder banks are each fitted with race catalytic converter. As a result, Audi exceeds the requirements of the GT3 regulations which do not specify use of emission control. However, with more than 500 hp and over 500 Nm torque the power plant will number among the more powerful engines in the GT3 sportscar field.

Fascinating bodywork

Apart from its enormous rear wing the R8 LMS is almost identical to the R8 at first glance. However, the squat appearance of the race car can be put down to many factors. To achieve a lower centre of gravity the R8 LMS, at a height of 1.19 metre, crouches low above the road – another 5.4 centimetres lower than the low production sportscar. Since modifying the production aluminium components or pressing new metal bodywork panels would generate far greater costs Audi Sport decided to manufacture almost the entire outer skin from carbon-fibre composite (CFC). Only the doors, which fulfil the most stringent safety standards, remain completely as production parts. The aluminium roof panel also originates from the production line.