Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS claims second victory in SCCA World Challenge series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/#commentsFiled under: ,

GMG Audi R8 LMS

After starting on the pole but falling behind mid-race, James Sofronas earned back the lead position to take victory at the Pirelli World Challenge event held at the Long Beach Grand Prix this past weekend. Driving the No. 14 GMG/Mobil 1 Audi R8 LMS, Sofronas was near the front of the pack when the No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60, driven by Alex Figge, suffered a brake rotor failure near the end of the race and went into a wall. The No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R, piloted by Johnny O'Connell, jumped into the lead. O'Connell only needed to complete two laps under caution for the win.

Yet the Cadillac would never complete those laps, as a three-inch piece of debris (presumably from Figge's car) had lodged into the CTS-V.R's front end, taking out vital machinery. The fatal wound would stop O'Connell dead on the last lap, allowing Sofronas to take the checkered flag and earn top spot on the podium. It was the R8's second victory in the series and Sofronas' second career win at Long Beach.

It is of interest to note that James Sofronas is credited with bringing the R8 LMS to the States to compete in the World Challenge after watching its success overseas. The southern California resident is owner/driver for Global Motorsports Group (GMG) - we took a tour of GMS's facility last year and shot the carbon-bodied Audi R8 LMS under early development. The team brought a total of four R8's to Long Beach this year, with its No. 14 car finishing first.

Audi R8 LMS claims second victory in SCCA World Challenge series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8 lmsglobal motorsports groupjames sofronaspirelli world challengesccaworld challengeMon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/audi-r8-lms-claims-first-victory-in-scca-world-challenge-series/20546515/article-detail.xml 20546515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/world-challenge-lb-2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/world-challenge-lb-2013.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS Ultra claims overall victory at Nürburgring 24 Hours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/audi-r8-lms-ultra-claims-overall-victory-at-nurburgring-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/audi-r8-lms-ultra-claims-overall-victory-at-nurburgring-24-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/audi-r8-lms-ultra-claims-overall-victory-at-nurburgring-24-hours/#commentsFiled under: ,



Audi has claimed its first overall victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race with the R8 LMS Ultra finishing in both first and second place. The win comes after a slew of endurance race wins for Audi in the last 12 months including the Bathurst 12 Hour and the 24 hour races at Spa and Zolder.

The winning Phoenix Racing R8 LMS Ultra, driven by a German quartet of Marc Basseng, Christopher Haase, Frank Stippler and Markus Winkelhock, managed to complete 155 laps of the Green Hell free of technical issues or crashes, and finished over three and a half minutes ahead of the second place R8 run by Abt. A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 claimed the final place on the podium.

"We are absolutely delighted about this long desired victory," said Dieter Gass, Head of Racing Commitments at Audi Sport, after the race. "For three years the Audi R8 LMS was always the best GT3 car at the Nürburgring. Now we have taken overall victory in the fight with seven other brands."

Scroll down to see the official announcement from Audi or view photos from the race in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Audi R8 LMS Ultra claims overall victory at Nürburgring 24 Hours

Audi R8 LMS Ultra claims overall victory at Nürburgring 24 Hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nürburgring 24 hours24+hours+of+nurburgring24hoursofnurburgringaudiaudi r8 lmsaudi r8 lms ultranürburgring 24 hoursnurburgring+24+hoursnurburgring+24+hours+2012nurburgring+24+hours+2012+resultsnurburgring24hoursnurburgring24hours2012nurburgring24hours2012resultsphoenix racingphoenix racing audi r8 lms ultraMon, 21 May 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241427/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/audi-r8-lms-ultra-claims-overall-victory-at-nurburgring-24-hours/20241427/article-detail.xml 20241427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-nurburgring-24-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-nurburgring-24-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Certain videos, when the protagonists speak a foreign language, don't need subtitles: Mexican telenovelas, dolphins in love and auto racing are but three. Although the narration is in Spanish and there isn't any racing in this video of former WRC Champion Carlos Sainz and current DTM driver Miguel Molina lapping the Autódromo Terramar, the action needs no translation.

Terramar, in Spain, is the second oldest racing track in Europe after England's Brooklands, built in 1922 to host Grand Prix cars. Its owner's vision stretched further this his financial backing, so the two-kilometer oval track with 60-degree bankings hosted only one sanctioned race in 1923. After that, it was used sporadically, holding its last event in 1950. It is now part of land used for a chicken farm.

That didn't stop Sainz and Molina from seeing how fast they could lap the 80-year-old circuit in a Red Bull Racing Audi R8 LMS. The video is a bit long, but it's well-shot and definitely worth watching for the high banking and bumpy airborn Audi shots alone. Check out the action by scrolling down to watch the video.

Continue reading Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track

Watch Carlos Sainz flog this Audi R8 LMS around an 80-year-old GP track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 lmscarlos sainzmiguel molinar8r8 lmsred bullred bull racingterramarwrcMon, 14 May 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/watch-carlos-sainz-flog-an-audi-r8-lm-around-an-80-year-old-gp-t/20237333/article-detail.xml 20237333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-r8-lms-red-bull-screencap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/audi-r8-lms-red-bull-screencap.jpg <![CDATA[An inside look at the Audi R8 LMS and its future of racing in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/an-inside-look-at-the-audi-r8-lms-and-its-future-of-racing-in-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/an-inside-look-at-the-audi-r8-lms-and-its-future-of-racing-in-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/an-inside-look-at-the-audi-r8-lms-and-its-future-of-racing-in-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS

Audi's customer racing program with the R8 LMS has been an unequivocal success. Since the delivery of the first race car in March of 2010, more than 40 examples have competed in 18 different championships worldwide, racking up more than 100 victories. In 2011 the R8 LMS captured important wins at the 24 hour races at Spa and Zolder, as well as claiming a GT3 class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Most recently the R8 LMS won the Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia for the second year in a row.

One of the places the R8 LMS hasn't had a big impact, though, is here in the United States. For 2012, Audi did finally homologate a version of the race car for Grand-Am, but it's a version that's significantly changed from the model that competes in the European GT3 series. The aerodynamics of the car are less aggressive to meet Grand-Am standards, the 5.2-liter V10 is detuned by around 75 horsepower, and driver aids like ABS and traction control have been removed.

With the R8's success in motorsports internationally, Audi has hinted that it is currently looking at expending the car's presence to other racing series stateside. One man, James Sofronas, isn't waiting around for the good folks at Ingolstadt to take action, though. He got his hands on a pair of GT3-spec R8 LMS race cars and is in the process of homologating them for a racing series here in the United States. He recently invited us to take a closer look at the R8 LMS and learn more about the car's domestic racing future.

Continue reading An inside look at the Audi R8 LMS and its future of racing in the U.S.

An inside look at the Audi R8 LMS and its future of racing in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesaudiaudi r8 lmsglobal motorsports groupgmg racingjames sofronasr8r8 lmsscca world challengeThu, 29 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20203363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/an-inside-look-at-the-audi-r8-lms-and-its-future-of-racing-in-th/20203363/article-detail.xml 20203363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gmg-audi-r8-lms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gmg-audi-r8-lms.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS remains king of the mountain with second straight victory at Bathurst 12 Hour]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/audi-r8-lms-remains-king-of-the-mountain-with-second-straight-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/audi-r8-lms-remains-king-of-the-mountain-with-second-straight-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/audi-r8-lms-remains-king-of-the-mountain-with-second-straight-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R8 LMS at the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour

Audi has yet another race trophy to place in its awards cabinet after claiming the overall victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia this past weekend for the second straight year. The win was achieved by the Phoenix Racing team, which also campaigns an Audi in Germany's DTM series.

Like any endurance race, the victory didn't come easily for Audi. Heavy rains and fog made for difficult racing conditions through much of the 12 hours, and a spin in the leading Audi R8 LMS temporarily relegated it back to third place. By the time the checkered flag waved, though, the Audi was back in front and beat out the second place Mercedes SLS GT3 by just over a minute.

The win at Bathurst is just the latest of many for Audi and its privateer-run R8 LMS race cars, marking the 119th time the car has claimed victory since it was introduced three years ago. The R8 LMS has been particularly successful over the last year, having also won the 24 hours races at Spa and Zolder as well as the GT3 class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Click past the jump for a full recap of the race via the official press release from Audi.

Continue reading Audi R8 LMS remains king of the mountain with second straight victory at Bathurst 12 Hour

Audi R8 LMS remains king of the mountain with second straight victory at Bathurst 12 Hour originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bathurst 12 houraudiaudi r8 lmsbathurst 12 hourr8Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180962/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/audi-r8-lms-remains-king-of-the-mountain-with-second-straight-vi/20180962/article-detail.xml 20180962 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/audi-r8-lms-bathurst-12-hour_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/audi-r8-lms-bathurst-12-hour.jpg <![CDATA[Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

audi r8 lms ultra

While most of the industry is busy with new debuts in Los Angeles, things aren't slowing down one bit on the racing side of the business. In the past couple of days alone, Chevrolet has debuted a new Corvette Daytona Prototype, Dacia has launched a new ice-racing minivan, Mini has announced a new B-spec Cooper, and now Audi has released their latest customer sports racing car.

The R8 LMS Ultra picks up where its predecessor left off - and that's quite a starting point: In just three years, the R8 LMS has won 115 races and 12 championships on racing circuits around the world. The improvements encompassed in the Ultra, however, promise to increase that number significantly.

Compared to the existing R8 LMS, the R8 LMS Ultra has lost some weight (thanks to carbon reinforced plastic doors), been made safer (thanks to new safety foam and racing bucket), gained a new transmission, had its cooling and breathing improved, its weight better balanced, its suspension and rolling stock beefed up and its aerodynamics optimized.

The same production-based 5.2-liter V10 carries over essentially unchanged, offering up to 570 horsepower depending on the regulators mandated by various racing series. The R8 LMS Ultra conforms to standard GT3 regulations, and can be yours for the low, low price of 329,900 euros ($445k USD) with deliveries beginning in March. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery.

Continue reading Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers

Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 lmsaudi r8 lms ultragt3quattro gmbhr8r8 lmsr8 lms ultrar8 v10Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/audi-releases-upgraded-r8-lms-ultra-for-customer-racers/20108779/article-detail.xml 20108779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-r8-lms-ultra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/audi-r8-lms-ultra.jpg <![CDATA[Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/#commentsFiled under: ,

audi r8 lms

Audi has been racking up motorsports wins all over the world thanks to its R8 LMS track star. The GT3 racer has compiled over 100 victories in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Now it's time for the four-ringed race car to earn a few checkered flags in North America, as Audi has announced that it is bringing the R8 LMS Stateside to run in the Grand-Am series.

If you're the owner of a racing team here in the U.S., now is the time to get excited. Audi will sell you a Grand-Am-ready R8 LMS, and offer support through its Audi Sport customer racing group. The R8 LMS will make its U.S. debut at the 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Principles of racing teams, click past the jump to read the full press release. OK fine, even if you don't own a race team, you can still read it.

Continue reading Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing

Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi motorsportsaudi r8 gt3audi r8 lmsgrand-amgt3r8r8 gt3r8 lmsFri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037057/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/20037057/article-detail.xml 20037057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R8 LMS

Having dominated rallying in the 1980s and Le Mans prototype racing since the turn of the millennium, Audi has grown accustomed to the checkered flag. But that's always been with manufacturer-backed works teams. So when Ingolstadt launched the R8 LMS in 2008, it charted new territory.

The GT3 racing version of the cutting-edge supercar was the first racecar built by Audi specifically for customer racing teams, and it has been a virtually unprecedented success. This past weekend, in fact, the R8 LMS scored its 100th win when Hitotsuyama Racing took the checkered flag in the GT3 Asia Series race at Suzuka.

That's a remarkable achievement for one car. All told, the 100 race wins were chalked up by 41 cars being fielded in 18 racing series around the world, in which the R8 LMS has won a remarkable one in every three races it's entered. That in itself is quite a feat, and you can read more about it in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS

Audi celebrates 100th win of the R8 LMS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 lmsgt3r8r8 lmsTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024031/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/audi-celebrates-100th-win-of-the-r8-lms/20024031/article-detail.xml 20024031 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/270808-a-audm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/270808-a-audm.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: New top-shelf Audi R8 GT RS spotted? *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/spy-shots-new-top-shelf-audi-r8-rs-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/spy-shots-new-top-shelf-audi-r8-rs-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/spy-shots-new-top-shelf-audi-r8-rs-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R8 GT RSThe eagle-eyed crew over at Auto Express has managed to get its hands on a few photos of what may very well turn out to be a more hardcore version of the mighty Audi R8. Spotted at a gas station near the Nürburgring, the car was wearing a host of mechanical and aesthetic additions borrowed straight from the German manufacturer's racing program. Along with a set of becoming orange stripes, the mid-engine terror wears a new, more aggressive front splitter up front and massive air intakes on both sides. That hardware should look awfully familiar. The company makes use of similar tech on its R8 LMS racer.

Around back, the hotter R8 uses large, center-up exhaust outlets and a significantly different engine cover. Auto Express seems to feel that those cues may indicate a powerplant with more than 600 horsepower nestled behind the seats. From what we understand, there are massive brakes tucked behind the vehicle's wheels and gutted cabin in place of the leather-lined interior.

That sounds like our cup of tea, alright, but what does Audi have planned for this thing? Auto Express is already calling the roided-out racer the R8 GT RS, which is as sexy a name as we could conjure. Here's hoping we hear more about this one soon.

Update: As it turns out, this is no Audi test mule. As the good people at Fortitude have pointed out, the mean-looking R8 is actually an MTM creation. Stay tuned.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: New top-shelf Audi R8 GT RS spotted? *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 lmsr8r8 gt rsr8 lmsspy photosspy picsspy shotsMon, 13 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19631515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/13/spy-shots-new-top-shelf-audi-r8-rs-spotted/19631515/article-detail.xml 19631515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/r8-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/r8-250.jpg <![CDATA[Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/unexpected-winner-crowned-at-nurburgring-24-hours-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/unexpected-winner-crowned-at-nurburgring-24-hours-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/unexpected-winner-crowned-at-nurburgring-24-hours-spoiler/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

24 Hours of Nurburging - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring took place this weekend with an enormous starting field of over 200 cars. The enduro features a huge array of classes, including GT2, GT3 and touring cars, with everything from Honda Civics to Aston Martin Vantages and even a Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid battling through the Green Hell through the day and night. The race is run over a combined course of the legendary Nordschliefe and the modern Grand Prix circuit for a total of 15.8 miles, and with only 36 pits available, up to eight cars must share each pit, so plenty of coordination is needed. Read on after the jump to read what happened after the green flag fell.


Gallery: 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring


Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Continue reading Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of nurburgring24HoursOfNurburgringaudi r8 lmsAudiR8LmsBMW M3bmw m3 gt2bmw z4 gt3BmwM3BmwM3Gt2BmwZ4Gt3ferrari f430FerrariF430Nurburgringnurburgring 24nurburgring 24 hoursNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgring24Nurburgring24HoursNurburgringNordschleifePorscheporsche 911 gt3porsche 911 gt3 hybridPorsche 911 GT3 R HybridPorsche911Gt3Porsche911Gt3HybridPorsche911Gt3RHybridMon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19480002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/17/unexpected-winner-crowned-at-nurburgring-24-hours-spoiler/19480002/article-detail.xml 19480002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/p90060851highres-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/p90060851highres-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/audi-begins-deliveries-of-r8-lms-evolution-to-euro-race-teams/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/audi-begins-deliveries-of-r8-lms-evolution-to-euro-race-teams/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/audi-begins-deliveries-of-r8-lms-evolution-to-euro-race-teams/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Audi R8 LMS evolution - Click above for high-res image gallery

2009 proved to be a very successful opening campaign for Audi's new customer race car, the R8 LMS. Eight cars were sold to a variety of teams and between them, the cars won 23 races and three national and international GT championships. For 2010, Audi has produced a new evolution version of the R8 LMS, and by mid-April, the German automaker expects to have delivered a total of 20 cars.

The alterations to the 2010 evolution R8 are apparently targeted at improving service life and making the car easier for crews to work on, with plans calling for changes including a new six-speed gearbox. An upgraded cooling system is designed to help the R8 perform better in high temperature conditions and new openings in the body work will allow crews to inspect wear parts without pulling everything apart. The first two 2010 cars were have been delivered to UK-based United Autosport, and another 10 are slated to go out over the next several weeks. Teams running 2009 cars will also have an upgrade kit available to bring their cars up to the new spec.


Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 LMS Evolution


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams

Audi begins deliveries of R8 LMS evolution to Euro race teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 audi r8 lms2010AudiR8Lmsaudiaudi r8audi r8 lmsAudiR8AudiR8Lmsgt3R8r8 lmsR8LmsMon, 08 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19387477/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/08/audi-begins-deliveries-of-r8-lms-evolution-to-euro-race-teams/19387477/article-detail.xml 19387477 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-100305-0146-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/audimotorsport-100305-0146-630.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R8 LMS - click above for high res image gallery

When Audi announced its new GT3 class R8 LMS race car late last year it was expecting 2009 to be a year of learning and development. As it turned out, it was a hugely successful season, landing championships in the FIA European GT series, along with the German and Belgian national series. All told, the R8s captured 23 race victories.

In 2010 the new GT Challenge class for GT3 type cars will become a permanent fixture of the American Le Mans Series as the GT1 class is consigned to history. During the 2009 season, GT Challenge was mainly the province of Porsche 911s. However, with the R8s success in Europe this year, Audi is considering offering the car to North American customers for the 2011 season. While the car could probably be competitive in 2010, Audi wants to set up a customer support infrastructure first.


Gallery: Audi R8 LMS 2009


[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american le mansamerican le mans ser...american le mans seriesAmerican League Division Seriesamerican lemans seriesAmericanLeagueDivisionSeriesAmericanLeMansAmericanLeMansSer...AmericanLeMansSeriesaudiaudi r8audi r8 lmsAudiR8AudiR8Lmsgt racingGT3 RacingGt3RacingGtRacingTue, 22 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19288688/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/22/audi-r8-lms-could-be-racing-in-alms-gt-challenge-class-in-2011/19288688/article-detail.xml 19288688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/audi_motorsport-090714-1594-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/audi_motorsport-090714-1594-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Quartet of Audi R8 LMS racecars to compete in Nürburgring 24-hour race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/quartet-of-r8-lms-racecars-to-compete-in-nurburgring-24-hour-rac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/quartet-of-r8-lms-racecars-to-compete-in-nurburgring-24-hour-rac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/quartet-of-r8-lms-racecars-to-compete-in-nurburgring-24-hour-rac/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Audi R8 LMS - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Audi's new R8 LMS racecar is set to face its first serious test of motorsports endurance next month. Abt Sportline and Phoenix Racing will each field two cars at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race with factory support from Audi. In preparation, the R8 LMS has already completed two races at the Green Monster as part of the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship, including one podium finish, and it will complete in one more event before the 24 hour race scheduled for May 23-24.

According to Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi's motorsport programs, the race will also be used to reveal any potential problems with the racecar before delivering the R8 LMS to customers this fall. With a driver lineup full of experienced road racers like Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller, Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro, and Marco Werner, we expect the R8 LMS to be fairly competitive. Plus, if there is anything we've learned from Audi's motorsport program, it's that both teams will be well prepared almost any problems that might arise. Follow the jump for more details in Audi's press release.


Gallery: Audi R8 LMS

Continue reading Quartet of Audi R8 LMS racecars to compete in Nürburgring 24-hour race

Quartet of Audi R8 LMS racecars to compete in Nürburgring 24-hour race originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 LMS - Click above for high-res gallery

Audi officials in Neckarsulm, Germany have just handed over the first of a dozen R8 LMS race cars to Audi Sport Italia. The remaining race cars will be delivered to that team and five others over the next month and a half in preparation for the 2009 racing season that begins next month. The GT3 class, 500+hp V10 R8s will be run in five different championships across Europe this summer as Audi works out the kinks in the third branch of its racing program. The R8 LMS joins the LMP1 R15 TDI that debuts next week at the 12 Hours of Sebring and, of course, the A4s that run in the DTM.

Audi is looking to follow the successful (and highly profitable) path set out by Porsche with its customer race programs over the years. It will be interesting to watch how such programs evolve in the future with Porsche now firmly in control of the Volkswagen Group, including Audi.


Gallery: Audi R8 LMS


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi starts shipping R8 LMS to customer teams

Audi starts shipping R8 LMS to customer teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 LMS

The Essen Motor Show is now underway, and one of the bigger manufacturer unveilings was Audi's official presentation of the R8 LMS, the new GT3-spec racing car aimed at privateer teams. It's seen as one of Audi's so-called "three pillars" of motorsport. The automaker will not field a factory effort in the car, but it's expected that next year, several teams will be running the R8 LMS in various European series, as well as in the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race. The €260,000 (plus VAT) asking price gets you the track-ready R8, which makes 500 horsepower from its mid-mounted V10. That power goes to the rear wheels (in GT3, AWD is a no-no) via a six-speed sequential gearbox. As you can see, the LMS certainly looks the part , with a subtly meaner nose, a big carbon-fiber front splitter, new mirrors, a giant rear wing, and a pretty wicked rear diffuser join the ten-cylinder engine among the changes made from road car to racer. Customer deliveries begin in Fall '09. Oh, to have a deep-pocketed benefactor... Audi PR follows the jump.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump!

Gallery: Audi R8 LMS


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video)

GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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