Audi's R8 LMS GT2 is one badass machine

Audi could be saying goodbye to the R8 in a few years time, but the Ingolstadt-based automaker still wants to make more powerful variations of the two-seater. In fact, Audi has just built the most powerful customer race car to date after the R8 LMS GT3.

Making its official debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed is the 640 horsepower R8 LMS GT2. Lighter, faster, and more aerodynamic than both the LMS GT3 and standard R8, the new race car was specifically built for the upcoming GT2 Class that will run in Europe and North America in 2020.

“This sports car with its emotive high-performance V10 engine marks the top end of our customer racing program. The legendary event at Goodwood is the ideal venue for unveiling such a fascinating sports car,” said Oliver Hoffmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH.

With extensive use of carbon fiber composites as well as having a stripped-out interior, the R8 LMS GT2 has a curb weight of only 1,350 kg. This makes the GT2 100 kg lighter than the GT4 version according to the automaker. And thanks to a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 that pushes out 640 PS, Audi claims this race car has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.1 kg per horsepower.

Aside from getting a diet and getting more horsepower, the R8 LMS GT2 also received significant aerodynamic upgrades. The front fascia has been heavily modified courtesy of a new front bumper and chin spoiler. Meanwhile, a new roof-mounted engine intake sits proudly atop the R8, allowing fresh air to be directly fed into the engine and cooling system. Then there's the large rear wing and massive rear diffuser that help generate more downforce for the GT2.

Those interested in getting the R8 LMS GT2 can buy it for EUR 338,000 (about Php 19.479 million). Deliveries, on the other hand, will begin at around December 2019.

While the R8 may soon bid farewell to the streets, perhaps it will find new life as a motorsports-only model in the coming years. Here's to hoping Audi keeps the R8 alive for as long as possible.