This Audi R8 GT2 is an extraordinary race car designed for the road

By shawn On 16/03/2024 at 15:05

The ABT XGT is essentially a track car that has been granted a license plate, allowing it to be driven on public roads. With an impressive power output of 630 horsepower, this vehicle channels its immense strength to the rear wheels.

The ABT XGT

The XGT is a remarkable vehicle that resembles a street-legal R8 GT2, essentially making it a race car for everyday use.

Audi has provided 99 rolling chassis to the German company, effectively prolonging the lifespan of this naturally aspirated machine. Similar to the R8 GT RWD, the ABT XGT channels the power of the V10 engine exclusively to the rear wheels.

However, it offers even more power with the 5.2 FSI engine tuned to produce 630 hp, surpassing Audi's final version of the flagship sports car which has 612 hp. By eliminating the Quattro system and utilizing carbon fiber extensively, the weight of the XGT has been impressively reduced to just 3,086 pounds (1,400 kilograms). This is a significant 375 lbs (170 kg) lighter than the R8 GT RWD.

ABT required a two-year period to develop the XGT following months of waiting for approval from senior management.

A total of 40 individuals had to give their approval for the ambitious R8 project.

The vehicle is not simply a supercar disguised as a race car, but a genuine race car that can be driven on public roads. It closely resembles the Audi R8 LMS GT2, with each unit being distinct as owners have the option to personalize it to their liking.

One can easily identify the authenticity of the vehicle by examining the interior of the stripped-out cabin, which features a complete roll cage and the identical steering wheel used in the GT2 race car.

In order to transform it into a street-legal vehicle, ABT incorporated central locking, a rearview camera, and a handbrake, as well as fitting a standard digital instrument cluster. Consequently, the modified control panel now includes controls for air conditioning, turn signals, and electrically adjustable mirrors.

Furthermore, enhancements were implemented to the thermal management, software, braking, and fuelling system while staying true to the essence of the GT2 machine.

Notably, a distinct exhaust system was incorporated to ensure compliance with the required emissions standards for road legality. Moreover, further modifications were carried out to meet the prescribed noise levels.

It is worth mentioning that the top speed of the Audi R7 GT2 ABT XGT reaches an impressive 193 mph (310 km/h), contingent upon the positioning of its substantial rear wing.

Gallery

ABT offers the XGT in four standard colors, but customization is available for a different paint hue.

The high-performance R8 features 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, along with an 83-liter (21.9-gallon) fuel tank.

The price for this model is €598,000, which is approximately $652,000 based on current exchange rates.

ABT is not just a tuner with a preference for Audis; the company has an extensive racing history, having participated in over 300 DTM races since 2000. With numerous victories and more than 250 podium finishes, ABT's success speaks for itself. In 2024, ABT will collaborate with Audi and Red Bull to enter two R8 LMS GT3 evo II race cars in DTM.