Just like every other major automotive manufacturer, Audi is currently in the midst of transitioning to an all-electric lineup. And though the Ingolstadt outfit has been pouring an increasing amount of resources into its battery-powered e-tron lineup, that doesn’t mean its abandoned its high-performance petrol-powered range — as evidenced by the release of the new Audi R8 GT supercar.
This limited-edition sendoff for the V10-powered supercar sees its 5.2-liter engine tuned to make 7% more power, now putting down 602hp and 413ft-lbs of torque. This ultimately allows for a top speed of around 200mph and the ability to reach 60mph from a complete standstill in just 3.4 seconds. Interestingly, this version of the V10 has only previously been offered on the quattro version of the R8, though the GT sees this setup paired with a rear-wheel-drive system. Alongside revised gearing, the car coupe also gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Tipping the scales at 44lbs less than the R8 Coupe Performance RWD, the R8 GT features an impressive list of running gear including forged 20” wheels shod in Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires, carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, and a performance sport suspension package with a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic anti-roll bar. The exterior of the R8 GT has also been bestowed with a new black trim package, special GT badging, and a carbon aero kit with an exposed front splitter, side skirts, and rear scoops, diffuser, and wing. Inside, the mid-engined model sports a black and red cabin with sport seats, a carbon trim package, and model-exclusive GT badging. The biggest change to the GT-spec R8 is the addition of a new rear axle that features a Torque Rear Mode that allows traction and stability control settings to be custom-dialed-in — giving drivers the option to choose how “twitchy” of an experience they have behind the wheel.
Restricted to only 333 units worldwide, the 2023 Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD is slated to hit dealerships in 2023, with pricing starting from €225,000 (~ $224,700).
