Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo Unveiled

Photo: Audi

Audi has unveiled the 2019-spec R8 LMS, featuring moderate updates to its championship-winning second-generation GT3 model.

Launched Tuesday at the Paris Motor Show, the car will be offered both as a brand-new turn-key race car and Evo kit for existing customers worldwide.

The German manufacturer has focused on a number of key areas for developments, primarily aimed at improved drivability for gentlemen drivers.

The evolution features updated aerodynamics, with modified front bodywork and an all-new splitter to provide more consistent levels of downforce, along with improved airflow to the rear brakes and more efficient evacuation of air from the brake discs.

It also sees an improved gearbox with revised gear teeth and reinforced bearings and a more durable clutch that will decrease the rebuild interval by more than 50 percent. Audi has also managed to reduce wear in the differential.

Unlike the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, the updated Audi features a “nearly unchanged” 5.2-liter V10 engine, which maintains its scheduled service intervals of 10,000 kms and rebuilds every 20,000 kms.

“We deliberately chose to make moderate modifications instead of pursuing a comprehensive evolution,” said Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke.

“This is economically sensible for both new customers and for those teams that are able to easily retrofit their existing cars with all new components.”

Deliveries of the updated car, which was first spotted testing in June, will begin in November at a price of 398,000 Euros ($460,000) plus taxes, with the Evo kit available for 28,000 Euros ($32,000).

Photo: Audi

Photo: Audi

Photo: Audi

Photo: 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