Audi R8 LMS GT2 Makes North American Premiere

Photo: Jim Fets/Audi

The Audi R8 LMS GT2 made its North American premiere last weekend at Monterey Car Week, ahead of its likely race debut on the continent next year.

The 640-horsepower mid-engined sports car, which was unveiled last month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, took part in the week-long festivities in California, which included exhibition laps at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca by nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.

The car was also on display at “The Quail” and the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, in an event that was attended by Hildegard Wortmann, a member of the board of Audi AG for sales and marketing. 

Audi plans to deliver customer versions of the GT2 car later this year ahead of a full rollout in 2020, where it will be eligible in SRO Motorsports Group’s Sports Club series in Europe, America and Asia.

Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke recently told Sportscar365 that they’re ready to support any amount of demand that comes up for the car, which is also targeted for track day use.

Photo: Jim Fets/Audi

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John