Audi R8 GT3 spied at Nurburgring

Audi revealed the first details on the R8 GT3 back in August, and the official debut will be made on Friday, 28 November at the Essen Motor Show. The R8 GT3 will be available starting fall of 2009. The car was caught testing at the Nurburgring.

The R8 GT3 will be powered by a tweaked version of the 4,2 liter V8 that now delivers 500 hp (up from the standard 420). This R8 GT3 prototype reportedly only managed to lap the ’Ring in 8:41.00 due to slippery-when-wet conditions.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.