Audi R8 Spyder Limited Edition 'R8 GT Spyder'

Audi R8 GT Spyder | Audi R8 GT Spyder

Limited Version of R8 Spyder, "R8 GT Spyder," Arrives in Japan

Audi Japan announced on the 22nd the sale of the "R8 GT Spyder," a limited production version of the open-top high-performance sports car "R8 Spyder." This is a handmade model limited to 333 units worldwide, with only 10 units allocated to Japan.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
Photographs by KOGAHARA Mitomu
&Audi Japan

Racing is a Proving Ground for Technology

On March 22, 2012, Audi Japan held a press conference at a special venue in Shinkiba, Tokyo, to announce Audi Sport, its domestic customer racing program, and the "Audi R8 GT Spyder."

Mr. Hiroshi Okita, President of Audi Japan, stated in his speech that "racing is a proving ground for technology" and that Audi's philosophy of "Vorsprung durch Technik" is supported by the transfer of technologies honed in racing to production vehicles. He cited examples such as the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, direct injection technology, diesel engines, and most recently, the e-tron diesel hybrid,e-tronas early introductions into production cars.

Following this, Audi Japan's desire to "further invigorate motorsports" was expressed, and three teams that will compete in the "GT300 class" with the "R8"-based GT3 car, the "R8 LMS," and its 2012 model, the "R8 LMS Ultra"—which features a larger rear wing, lighter doors, and improved cooling—made their appearance.

The apr team, competing with the R8 LMS Ultra. Team Director Kaneko Hiroto and drivers Yuki Iwasaki and Yuya Sakamoto.

Driver Cyndie Allemann, competing with Hitotsuyama Racing.

R8 GT Spyder Unveiled

Then, the "R8 GT Spyder" was presented, driven by Cyndie Allemann, the first foreign female driver in Super GT for "Hitotsuyama Racing," one of the three teams. This is a special model based on the open-top "R8 Spyder"R8 Spyder," achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber in components such as the front spoiler, canards, rear spoiler, and door mirrors, resulting in an 85kg weight reduction.

The dry-sump 5.2-liter V10 DOHC FSI engine mounted mid-ship has undergone further tuning, delivering a maximum output of 412 kW (560 ps), an increase of 26 kW, and a maximum torque of 540 Nm/6,500 rpm, an increase of 10 Nm.

The drivetrain is the Quattro full-time all-wheel-drive system. With its launch control function and the 6-speed R tronic sequential manual transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, compared to the R8 Spyder's 4.1 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h, versus the R8 Spyder's 313 km/h.

The suspension features GT-specific, higher-rate dampers and springs. The ride height is approximately 10 cm lower than standard, reportedly resulting in a more direct steering feel. The brakes are also equipped with lightweight carbon-fiber ceramic discs as standard, which are lighter than steel. The red calipers are GT-exclusive and anodized.

The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) has been specially tuned to prevent skidding. In sport driving, it is possible to select a sport mode that allows for oversteer, or to deactivate the ESP entirely.

The interior features GT-exclusive emblems in various locations, and the shift knob is engraved with the serial number.

Like the R8 GT, the R8 GT Spyder is a limited production model of 333 units, handmade. Japan is allocated 10 units. Reservations are already being taken, with only a few remaining. The price is 30.64 million yen.