The Audi R8 is a sports-prototype race car introduced in 2000 for sports car racing as a redevelopment of their Audi R8R (open top LMP) and Audi R8C (closed top LMGTP) used in 1999. It is one of the most successful racing sports cars ever (alongside such greats as the Porsche 956/962) having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 (five of the seven years it competed). Its streak of Le Mans victories between 2000 and 2005 was broken only by the Bentley Speed 8 (powered by the same V8 twin-turbo engine) in 2003, when the R8 finished 3rd.
The petrol-powered Audi R8 race car was replaced by the new Audi R10 TDI Diesel in 2006; however, the need to further develop the R10 meant that the R8 saw action in a few races leading up to Le Mans.
Records
Throughout its six year history, the R8 has proven to be one of the most dominant cars in history. Indeed, of all the races it had entered over a seven year period, the R8 lost a mere sixteen races total. Here is a list of some of the achievements of the R8.
- 24 Hours of Le Mans winner - 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005
- American Le Mans Series champion: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006†
- European Le Mans Series champion: 2001
- Le Mans Series champion: 2004
† - Season partially run by the Audi R10 as well.
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| Audi R8 (racing car), GT Race, (2001) |
2007: R8 road car
The name Audi R8 also is used by the production road sports car Audi R8 which is based on the 2003 Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, not the R8 race car. Production started in 2007.
Audi R8 Race Car Specifications
| Category | Le Mans Prototype |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Audi |
| Designer(s) |
Michael Pfadenhauer (aerodynamics)
Wolfgang Appel (chassis)
Ulrich Baretzky (engine)
|
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Carbon fiber and aluminum honeycombmonocoque |
| Suspension (front) | Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Suspension (rear) | Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Engine | Audi 3.6 liter 90-degree V8 twin-turbo,mid-engine, longitudinally mounted |
| Transmission | Ricardo 6-speed sequential manualMultiple-disc limited-slip differential |
| Fuel | Shell |
| Tyres | Michelin |
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