Paris Motor Show 2010 - Audi R8GT
Audi turn up the wick with a pseudo race version of their R8, the GT
Audi R8 goes on a diet: loses 100 kgs, gains tons of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Yet another supercar gets the liposuction treatment. Don’t get us wrong; it’s a great idea, just not very original. Nor should that detract from the fact that lighter cars automatically equal faster cars for the same energy input. Resigned, yet content to live in the shadow of it’s cousin the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8′s diet took it down to 1525 kgs, whereas the Superleggera’s kerb weight went down to 1340 kgs. Add to that the R8 GT’s 10 BHP deficiency and you can do the sums…But the Audi has it’s own character and market so won’t be worried by the comparison. What was a slick, neat supercar just grew wings and fins and no doubt breathes fire. Oh, and you can specify a roll cage too 
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The 2011 price limbo does at least get you some extra power and features. Engine output soars to 530PS (390KW)/6,400rpm, launch control gets tweaked, body mods up front incorporate LED running lights and aerodynamic slats, but what caught our eyes in the spec is the addition of automatic decoupling of the 4wd system below 6MPH for tight turns. Not a headline feature, but a measure of the fabulous attention to detail Nissan engineers have put into this car. Numerous other mods complete the package: more details below
