2016 Audi R8 LMS now available to order

This season has seen Audi's new R8 LMS participate in selected events as part of its development programme. Now the GT3 racer is being offered to customer teams.

Currently the plan is to build 45 examples. Production begins later this month, with the first deliveries expected to take place before the end of the year.

Audi R8 LMS 2016 Front Side

Around half of the competition car's components are shared with the road-going R8. Those that aren't include the wishbone suspension set-up, carbon fibre reinforced plastic body panels, aerodynamic appendages and a lot of the electronics.

Naturally safety was a primary design consideration, so protection is provided by a steel roll cage, crash structures at each end and an LMP1-derived seat. For the first time, the R8 LMS even features a rescue hatch in the roof to aid driver extraction after a crash.

Audi R8 LMS 2016 Rear Side

The powertrain comprises a 5.2 litre V10 engine that's mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Output is rated at 577 bhp (430 kW / 585 PS).

Audi Sport is charging €359,000 plus VAT for the R8 LMS, which is roughly £262,100 or US$404,800 at current exchange rates. That price goes up to €398,000 (£290,600 / US$448,800) if buyers opt for a starter and parts package too.

Related posts:
BMW M6 GT3 price confirmed
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 R racer unveiled
Mercedes-AMG GT3 confirmed

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