While Audi R8 LMS has been a great success in Europe, now they hope to experience the same in America by entering it in Grand-Am series. Yes, you heard right, Audi Motorsport has promised to unveiled a fresh model that meets Grand-Am US racing regulations at the 50th running Daytona 24 Hours in July, next year.
The new R8 LMS for America is based on the GT3 car but comes with modified chassis, body, engine and suspension. In addition comes a roll cage with wall thicknesses being increased to two millimetres in order to meet the regulations. As we said, the body will also be modified, receiving Grand-Am-spec rear wing, rear diffuser and a new new front splitter.
It might seem strange, but while the race version of this car is already down compared to the production version, it will meet the air restrictions, which will make it even less powerful. The German car maker says the total output could drop from the current 490 hp to a lower level of about 450 to 470 horsepower.
Sadly, but that’s not all because the capacity of the fuel tank, which can now be filled on both sides of the vehicle, is limited to 83.3 litres.
In the area of the wheels and suspension three-part rims are used. The standard anti-lock system and traction control of the R8 LMS are prohibited as driving aids in the USA.
“We’re convinced that we’re making a very attractive offer to our customers in the USA that will meet with great response,” says Romolo Liebchen, Head of customer racing at quattro GmbH. “The anniversary event of the Daytona 24 Hours is a perfect occasion for the debut of the U.S. version of the new Audi R8 LMS.”
Source: Autoevolution
