Audi R8 LMS ultra to be launched in 2012

Audi R8 LMS ultra to be launched in 2012

• Deliveries of new vehicle to start in March 2012

• Next generation of successful customer sport race car

• Further technical development for even better performance

Ingolstadt, November 17, 2011 – In 2012, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will succeed the

successful R8 LMS GT3 sports car with which R8 LMS customers have won 115

races and 12 national and international titles in the space of just three years.

Improving a totally successful vehicle yet again: This was the challenging task

specified for the engineers of quattro GmbH. Audi’s wholly owned subsidiary that

has been responsible for the customer sport program as of this season pursued a

clear aim for this project. “Our customer teams provided us with valuable

suggestions and stated their wishes for the various fields in which the car is used,”

says Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. “We have close ties to

our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide, and subjected

the R8 LMS to further development in many details. In the R8 LMS ultra we

consistently implemented all the performance measures which ensure that we’ll be

able to continue to offer an intercontinentally competitive and attractive race car in

the future.”

Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH, and his development

team focused on several central areas. New doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber

reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams not

only help reduce the race car’s weight even further but also result in another

increase in passive safety. The new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, which is now

part of the standard equipment, serves this purpose as well. It offers perfect

protection and clearly surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under

extreme loads.

An updated transmission provides additional reserves on long-distance runs. In the

past season, the Audi R8 LMS had already made its mark as an excellent longdistance

expert and achieved overall victories at the Bathurst (Australia) 12 Hours,

the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours and GT3 class victory plus third place overall at the

Nürburgring 24 Hours.

A new exhaust system equipped with race catalytic converters helps improve the

engine’s characteristics. The V10 mid-engine can draw on even higher torque at

lower engine speeds. The 5.2-liter unit delivers a power output of up to 419 kW

(570 HP), depending on restrictor regulations. It is still based on the production

engine produced at Audi’s plant in Györ, Hungary. Mileages of up to 20,000

kilometers were certainly typical in customer operations before and continue to be

easily achieved.

The optimized cooling system of the race car successfully combines several

objectives. In addition to a larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, an

oil cooler for the steering hydraulics that used to be installed at the front is now

located in the vehicle’s mid-section. The characteristic side blades of the Audi R8

enable enlarged air vents for the cooling system in the new R8 LMS ultra for

improved thermal management. At the same time, air supply to the radiator at the

front of the vehicle has been improved, as has the interior ventilation.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-

inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used. As of the next season, development

partner Michelin will be offering wider – 30-65/18 – tires, which allow more

consistent lap times to be achieved. Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels

improves the durability of the braking system. Instead of the previous silent rubber

mounts the transverse control arm mounts now feature uniball joints. Weightreduced

compression and rebound-adjustable gas dampers with optimized

characteristics from partner Bilstein complete the chassis package and represent

the latest state of development.

Aerodynamic improvements complement the changes for 2012. The wider front

hood has been optionally provided with louvers, subject to permission by the

homologation rules for the various racing series. The new rear wing has been

widened and now features larger end plates. Work in the Audi wind tunnel has led to

a yet more efficient position of the wing for maximum downforce and minimized

aerodynamic drag. The improved air flow and larger effective area increase

downforce on the rear axle. A new front plate with optimized diffusion under the

front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.

As of 2012, all new vehicles will be equipped with the evolution stage described

above. For the existing vehicles, quattro GmbH offers conversions to the 2012

evolution stage.

In addition, Audi is pursuing a subsequent homologation for individual aerodynamic

improvements to include the 2011-generation vehicles. This ensures that the

current model continues to be competitive with slight modifications.

“We’re convinced that the Audi R8 LMS ultra will continue the successes of its

predecessor,” stresses Romolo Liebchen. “With over 40 customer sport vehicles

delivered, the first generation of the R8 LMS was already a sporting and commercial

success.”

The selling price of the Audi R8 LMS ultra is EUR 329,900.00 plus VAT. Deliveries

will commence in March 2012.

Audi Sport.