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Muscat, Oman: Audi’s most powerful customer racing car, the Audi R8 LMS GT2, is on display at the showroom of Premium Motors, the official dealer of the German car brand in Oman, located at Alfardan Heights at Ghala.
Standing proudly in the new state-of-the-art showroom is the Audi R8 LMS GT2 which stands for several superlative features in Audi Sport customer racing’s programme. With 470 kW (640 hp), it is by far the most powerful sports car in the history of the customer racing programme.
Since 2019, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 has been setting two top benchmarks in the racing family of the Audi R8 LMS. The race car marks the top end of the programme in terms of engine power and top speed. The GT2 concept stands for a unique balance of fascination and lap times that is specifically tailored to suit the needs of gentlemen drivers.
Christian Nehme, General Manager of Premium Motors Oman said, “We are honoured to bring to Oman this incredible sports car which boasts an emotive high-performance V10 engine. Auto enthusiasts have been thoroughly impressed by this desirable collector’s model for gentleman drivers from around the world.”
The Audi R8 LMS GT2 is now on display at the state-of-the-art Audi showroom in Oman from February 25 to March 18, 2021. Spread across three floors, the new Premium Motors facility is focused on providing a unique customer journey. Visitors can explore the full range of Audi models, and experience the exclusive options available in the showroom. Driving an Audi is about wanting something special, and so is the brand’s showroom in Oman.
Powerful Sports Cars
The Audi R8 LMS GT2 is almost a little reminiscent of the past: The slim shape of the cockpit and the bodywork featuring the proportions of the Spyder, the spectacular air scoop above the roof, protruding sideblades and the flared fenders emphasize traditional sports car characteristics. The most powerful evolution of the V10 engine with 470 kW (640 hp) has been designed for natural aspiration without an air restrictor. Visually and acoustically, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 exudes a unique fascination in the style of legendary sports cars of the past. At the same time, however, the new race car is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and stands for maximum safety.
The GT2 concept addresses drivers who appreciate the high longitudinal dynamics of powerful sports cars. Both in the GT2 racing competitions and on Track Days, this new type of race car opens up a uniquely fascinating dimension without competing with current GT3 models in terms of lap times.
The race car achieves its specific power output of 123 horsepower/per liter of displacement with a near-production-level 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. With it, the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8 LMS GT2 amounts to some 2.1 kg/hp. From a historical perspective, in about four decades, there has never been an Audi Sport race car with a naturally aspirated engine with such a favourable ratio between homologation weight and engine power.
Outstanding Technology
In terms of technology, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 is based on the production version. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) with its intelligent material mix of aluminum and CFRP forms the basic structure of the race car, while a steel roll cage provides the required safety in racing. The geometry of the chassis corresponds to the Spyder version, just like the 5/10 door cut-out. The extruded profiles in the roof area have been adopted from the Coupé. The cockpit section is completed by a slim-tailored hard top that gives the bodywork a unique, lean-sculptured look. Like the other body parts, it is made of CFRP for weight reasons. The cage consisting of tubes that, compared to the GT4 model, have a lower wall thickness but high strength due to higher-grade steel, additionally reduces mass. With a dry weight of 1,350 kilograms, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 tips the scales at 100 kilograms less than, for instance, the GT4 version.
Aerodynamically, the GT2 race car clearly differs from its siblings. Healthy temperature management of the engine is guaranteed by the voluminous radiator at the front end with CFD-optimized air flow channels. Unlike the GT3 and GT4, the vents are on the right and left, causing the air to flow past the windshield in order to avoid thermal conflicts with the engine’s air intake on the roof. The sideblades in front of the rear wheels follow the form prescribed by the R8 Spyder. However, they expose a larger cross section for air intake. A new front splitter, CFRP underfloor sections and a rear diffusor featuring the well-known GT4 geometry, but made of CFRP in the GT2 model, channel the air underneath the race car. The innovative rear suspension of the rear wing enhances air flow to the car and generates further downforce on the rear axle.
Top-class Safety
In terms of safety, the Audi R8 LMS GT2 is top-class too. The Audi Protection Seat PS03 optimally surrounds and supports the driver, while safety nets on the sides provide another increase in protection. The fire extinguishing system and six-point harnesses satisfy the high FIA standards. The safety fuel cell matches the design in the GT4 model, but has a 15-liter catch tank with a fill level sensor. A quick-refueling valve for endurance events can be ordered as an option. The safety steering column is adjustable in height and length and the pedals with their quick-adjustment mechanism sit on rails. Consequently, a precise seating position can be individually set for any physique. The rescue hatch in the roof facilitates access for the extrication team in the event of an accident. In this way, it makes it possible to remove the helmet of the driver in need of help and to apply a Kendrick Extrication Device for stabilization. The windshield and the side windows are made of lightweight and strong Makrolon. The camera-based digital rear-view mirror is new because the race car has no rear window due to the voluminous intake system. The construction of the doors is new too. They are made of carbon fiber and together with the CFRP-AFRP side impact protection with aluminum honeycomb that has been mandatory since 2019 satisfy the latest safety requirements for side impact protection.
This comprehensive package of power and performance, fascination and safety predestines the Audi R8 LMS GT2 as an ideal race car for gentlemen drivers and automobile enthusiasts who would like to call a future collector’s item their own.
© Press Release 2021
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