The R8 LMS is produced by Quattro GmbH at the Bollinger Hofe industrial park in Heilbronn. Audi integrates the manufacturing process for the race car and the production road car closely: the racing chassis remains part of the basic production process through the roof assembly and cathodic dip painting (CDP) stages before being completed in Heilbronn-Biberach.
The R8 LMS is powered by a race-specification V10 engine developing a peak output of 430 kW (577 hp; 585 PS). Unlike the standard road car, the LMS uses a rear-wheel-drive layout. The chassis uses an Audi Space Frame (ASF) combining aluminium, structural CFRP components, and a steel roll cage. The chassis alone weighs 252 kg (556 lb) — approximately 30 kg lighter than the previous generation — while torsional stiffness increased by 39 percent. Total vehicle weight is 1,225 kg (2,701 lb).
The aerodynamic concept introduces a fully lined underfloor and a conceptually integrated rear diffuser, allowing the rear wing dimensions to be reduced without a corresponding increase in drag. Wheel arches open rearward via a larger cross-section to improve airflow. The front radiator's airflow rate and cooling area increased by ten percent to handle maximum outside air temperatures.
Safety features include a modified spaceframe structure at the front and a carbon fibre crash element at the rear. The PS1 racing seat, derived from the Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro, is connected directly to the chassis for increased stiffness. A quickly adjustable foot lever system and a height- and length-adjustable steering column accommodate various drivers. A rescue opening in the roof — a first for any GT3 car — allows a driver's helmet to be lifted after an accident without straining the spinal column. At 200 km/h (124 mph) the cockpit fresh-air system delivers 250 litres per second.
The R8 LMS Evo was unveiled in 2018 ahead of the 2019 season, bringing new bodywork, a new front splitter for improved downforce, and an improved gearbox. It was available as a new car or as an evo kit for existing R8 LMS models. In 2021 Audi Sport revealed the R8 LMS Evo II with improved aerodynamics, engine characteristics, air conditioning, suspension, and traction control; again available as new or as an upgrade kit.
The R8 LMS GT4, introduced at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, is a rear-wheel-drive entry-level model. Its 5.2-litre V10 is rated at 496 PS (365 kW; 489 hp) and 550 N·m (406 lb·ft) of torque. Dry weight is 1,460 kg (3,219 lb) and the car is eligible for 13 worldwide racing series.
The R8 LMS GT2 was unveiled at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. With 640 hp it is described as the most powerful car in Audi customer racing history and is eligible for the SRO GT2 class. It achieved an overall win at the 2022 24 Hours of Zolder. In 2023 tuner Abt Sportsline built a road-legal version called the XGT.
The Audi R8 LMS won the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour. The Audi R8 road car platform also serves as the safety car for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, the British Superbike Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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