Audi R8 LMS to be homologated for Grand-Am

Audi R8 LMS to be homologated

for Grand-Am

􀀁 Audi targets important U.S. market with new R8 LMS version

􀀁 2012 debut at the 50th running of the Daytona 24 Hours

􀀁 Audi Sport customer racing to provide technical customer support

Ingolstadt, September 7, 2011 – Audi is now preparing the successful R8 LMS

customer sport model for the U.S. market as well. A dedicated racing version

conforming to Grand-Am regulations is planned to make its debut at the

anniversary race of the Daytona 24 Hours in January 2012 in the hands of

customers.

Audi’s successful GT3 sports car has celebrated more than 100 victories in Europe,

Asia, Australia and South America. From 2012 on, the Audi R8 LMS will now also be

available on the North American market. For this purpose, Audi is developing and

homologating the brand’s first customer sports race car for the regulations of the

Grand-Am Endurance Series in the USA.

Right in time for the 50th running of the Daytona 24 Hours (January 28 to 29,

2012) an endurance race tested, attractive new GT race car will be available to

Audi’s customers. With overall victories at the Bathurst 12 Hours in Australia, the

Spa and Zolder 24 Hours in Belgium and another GT3 victory at the Nürburgring 24

Hours the production-derived GT3 race car which the U.S. version is based on has

again proven its qualities on numerous occasions this year.

For use in the USA, quattro GmbH is modifying the GT3 race car of which more than

40 units have already been sold in the areas of the chassis, body, engine and

suspension. The chassis is stiffened by a roll cage with wall thicknesses being

increased to two millimeters according to the regulations. A new front splitter, a

modified rear diffuser and a standard Grand-Am rear wing change the aerodynamics

of the sports car. The rated output of the engine has to be reduced to a lower level

of about 331 to 346 kW (450 to 470 HP) by an air restrictor and the engine

electronics. At the same time, the capacity of the fuel tank, which can now be filled

on both sides of the vehicle, is limited to 83.3 liters. In the area of the wheels and

suspension three-part rims are used. The standard anti-lock system and traction

control of the R8 LMS are prohibited as driving aids in the USA.

“We’re convinced that we’re making a very attractive offer to our customers in the

USA that will meet with great response,” says Romolo Liebchen, Head of customer

racing at quattro GmbH. “The anniversary event of the Daytona 24 Hours is a perfect

occasion for the debut of the U.S. version of the new Audi R8 LMS.”

At the endurance classic in Florida as well as at the other rounds of the Grand-Am

racing series customers can rely on substantial support. Audi Sport customer racing

will accompany the entire 2012 season in the USA with a technical crew and provide

consultancy to the race teams. In addition, Audi is exploring the possibilities of

future uses the Audi R8 LMS at other endurance events in the United States of

America.

Audi Sport.