Audi R8 GT2

[joeb]

I find it interesting that with all the talk about porsche possibly entering lmp, and competing withaudi if the corporate board will let them, audi might turn around and compete with porsche in gt2. Wonder what the board thinks about that...

[broadrun96]

Would they have to make a different model for the GT2 homolgation? As in would they have to use the V8 model to put it in GT2, or could it even be a better fit in GT2 with a smaller V8 instead of a choked V10?

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

Would they have to make a different model for the GT2 homolgation? As in would they have to use the V8 model to put it in GT2, or could it even be a better fit in GT2 with a smaller V8 instead of a choked V10?

They'd have to do with restrictors roughly the size of the ones on the Corvette, and that's not doing too shabbily to be honest.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

Would they have to make a different model for the GT2 homolgation? As in would they have to use the V8 model to put it in GT2, or could it even be a better fit in GT2 with a smaller V8 instead of a choked V10?

GT-2 rules still allow up to 8L, with no mention what so ever of a limitation on the # of cylinders allowed. So why would an R8 LMS GT-2 not be able to use the V-10??

5.4 - Normally aspirated engines :

5.4.1 - Displacement : 8 000 cc maximum.

It was stated that the new GTE would be based on current ('09) rules.

This is why in agreement with the GT manufacturers the ACO has decided to create a GT Endurance category with a single set of regulations valid between 2011 and 2013. These regulations are based on the current GT2 cars complying with the 2009 ACO rules with the following modifications:
Steering wheel mounted paddle gearshifts allowed.
Only 1 evolution per year allowed.
2 evolutions per year will be allowed for new cars.
Measures will be taken to reduce top speeds without reducing overall power.

L.P.

[Matt]

I'm not a fan of Audi at all, but I'd love to see a GT2 spec R8 on the grid. Imagine a Champion Audi run R8 in that classic livery?

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Victor_RO

They'd have to do with restrictors roughly the size of the ones on the Corvette, and that's not doing too shabbily to be honest.

Pushrod (2 valves per cilinder) get a bigger restrictor

I think a screaming V8 makes more sense for the R8 than a low revving V10.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

Pushrod (2 valves per cilinder) get a bigger restrictor

I think a screaming V8 makes more sense for the R8 than a low revving V10.

Hmm, yeah I imagine that is why Audi chose it for the R8 LMS GT-3. Oh, wait, they didn't. They chose the V-10 over the V-8.





L.P.

[Speed-King]

One problem with turning the R8 into a full on GT2 might be in the suspension area.

From an interview with project leader Romolo Liebchen:

Die Entscheidung den R8 für die GT3-Kategorie zu entwickeln, beruht auf den technischen Möglichkeiten in Bezug auf das Reglement und die zu erwarteten Absatzzahlen der attraktiven GT3-Serien. Während sich die GT2-Klasse stark am Serienfahrzeug orientiert und die Fahrwerksgeometrie dadurch zwingend erhalten bleiben muss, kommt den Teilnehmern die FIA in der GT3 deutlich entgegen.

So lässt das technische Regelwerk Änderungen an der Fahrzeugbreite zu, sodass die Anlenkpunkte des Fahrzeugs verschoben werden können, dadurch Fahrwerkskomponenten vom Serienfahrzeug übernommen werden und eine renntaugliche Kinematik hergestellt wird.

Im GT2-Reglement dagegen müssen aufwändig hergestellte Spezialteile auf die Serienvermassung Anwendung finden was zur Verteuerung der Bauteile führt:

„Aufgrund der technischen Freiheiten des GT3 Reglements lassen sich die erforderlichen Änderungen zur Anpassung an den Renneinsatz kostengünstig umsetzen“, erklärt Liebchen. Auch konnte die zentrale Kühleranordnung konnte umgesetzt werden.

Durch diese Maßnahme wurde die Kühleinheit erheblich vereinfacht und zusätzlich die Crashempfindlichkeit deutlich verbessert.

Translation:

The descision to develop the R8 for the GT3-class was based on the technical possibilities of the rules and the expected sales figures in the various attractive GT3-series. While [cars in ] the GT2-class are closely related to their production versions, and thus the suspension geometry [of the road car] must be maintained, the FIA is very accomodating for participants in GT3.

Thus, the regulations allow changes in the vehicles width, which makes it possible to relocate suspension pick-up-points, which in turn makes it possible to use road car parts and to come up with a raceable kinematik.

Under the GT2-regs, though, bespoke non-standart parts with the dimensions of the road-car-parts have to be used, which leads to an increase of the costs of those parts.

"Thanks to the technical liberties of the GT3 rules, the necessary changes to adapt a roadcar for the track are relatively affordable", tells us Liebchen. Another thing that could be done this way was a centrally mounted cooling-array.

This made the cooling a lot more effective and less vulnerable in the case of a crash.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

Hmm, yeah I imagine that is why Audi chose it for the R8 LMS GT-3. Oh, wait, they didn't. They chose the V-10 over the V-8.

The stock V10 was an easy way to make a decent amout of power without any engine development.

The GT3 version of the R8 is too heavy at the moment (1340 kg), so it makes a lot of sense to use the lighter V8. Also look at its competitors in GT2:
Aston Martin: 4.5 V8
BMW: 4.0 V8
Corvette: 5.5 V8
Ferrari: 4.0 V8
Porsche: 4.0 flat 6
Spyker: 4.0 V8
A displacement of 4.0 liter seems to be a popular choice.

The new 4.2 V8 of the Audi RS5 could be a good starting point. It already produces 450 bhp.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Speed-King

One problem with turning the R8 into a full on GT2 might be in the suspension area.

That is no problem in ALMS, but the ACO is much more picky on this. Just ask BMW For the ACO version of the M3 they had to go back to orginal pickup points of the rear suspension.

Also the current rear wing of the R8 is definitely too big. Supposedly Audi just used the wing of the R10. The wing can only be set in 3 positions, which might be a bit too restrictive for GT2.

The R8 GT3 car also has paddle shift. This is currently not allowed in GT2, but will be in 2011.

The throttle could also be a problem, because GT2 rules don't allow drive by wire. A direct mechanical linkage is required.

[AX lover]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

The stock V10 was an easy way to make a decent amout of power without any engine development.

The GT3 version of the R8 is too heavy at the moment (1340 kg), so it makes a lot of sense to use the lighter V8. Also look at its competitors in GT2:
Aston Martin: 4.5 V8
BMW: 4.0 V8
Corvette: 5.5 V8
Ferrari: 4.0 V8
Porsche: 4.0 flat 6
Spyker: 4.0 V8
A displacement of 4.0 liter seems to be a popular choice.

The new 4.2 V8 of the Audi RS5 could be a good starting point. It already produces 450 bhp.

Maybe Audi can borrow some engines from Spyker

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by AX lover

Maybe Audi can borrow some engines from Spyker

They would need a waiver for that because they changed the fire order (as result of cross plane to flat plane crank conversion). Also the Spyker engine seems to be underpowered.

[ger80]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

They would need a waiver for that because they changed the fire order (as result of cross plane to flat plane crank conversion). Also the Spyker engine seems to be underpowered.

But the old fire order made a much better sound - so dont give them a waiver

[gwyllion]

A bit more Murphy talk on the Audi GT project rumors: http://murphythebear.com/blog/index....ing-for-an-r8/

[gwyllion]

Ronny Meixner's focus at VICI has quite clearly shifted from Porsche 911's to Audi R8's.

http://twitter.com/Murphythebear/status/18287330916

[joeb]

Is that good news?

[gwyllion]

No clue. It is unclear where Vici wants to compete and with what type of R8. GT3 in GTC class of ALMS? Does not make a lot of sense because the R8 is a lot more expensive than a Cup Porsche.

[fiend540]

Ha so I guess we won't be seeing an R8 on the grid

[gwyllion]

On http://www.viciracing.com/ there is a logo "Audi Sport R8 LMS Partner".

[joeb]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

On http://www.viciracing.com/ there is a logo "Audi Sport R8 LMS Partner".

hmm, still says T-Mobile as a sponsor too, don't know what to make of that.

[ubrben]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

They would need a waiver for that because they changed the fire order (as result of cross plane to flat plane crank conversion). Also the Spyker engine seems to be underpowered.

Firing order is likely to be free next year along with paddle shifts.

Ben