Audi here says it is looking into local prospects for the awesome GT V10 RWD.

POTENTIAL for New Zealand enthusiasts achieving access to a special edition of the Audi R8 that sees it out of its combustion-engined era is being investigated.

The R8 Coupe GT V10 RWD is set to be a rare treat for the type’s supporters, as Ingolstadt intends to roll out 333 examples of what has been called the firm’s most focused road car.

The make delivered full information overnight about the model that stands as a farewell to the type’s 5.2-litre V10 and now Audi New Zealand’s boss Dean Sheed has today spoken about its prospects and suggested it’s a possibility.

“We are talking to the network currently about that car – to gain interest and an understanding of potential volume. No decisions as yet.”

Conceivably, if the derivative does make it here, there might just be a couple of examples at best.

The United Kingdom, the biggest right-hand-drive market, is achieving just 15 and Australia isn’t down for any. And, yes, it won’t be cheap – Brits are being advised this car will cost just over $400,000 on today’s exchange rate.

The variant is all about celebrating the type’s track-bred DNA and also takes cues from the the first-generation R8 GT of 2010. Like that car, the new GT is equipped with an aggressive aero package, lightweight components and a bespoke chassis setup. The idea is that it should stand as a true rival to the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

The standard rear-driven R8 produces 420kW from its naturally-aspirated V10, but for the GT, Audi has installed a more potent unit which drives through a snappier seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with revised gearing. With 455kW and 565Nm of torque, the GT fires from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 320kmh. 

Overseas reports say that, in tandem with the power uplift, Audi has stripped 20kg from the R8’s kerb weight thanks to carbon-ceramic brake discs, lightweight suspension components and new 20-inch forged wheels. These are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and in keeping with the car’s track focus, buyers can specify an adjustable coilover suspension kit. 

The GT’s on-limit behaviour can be tailored using a new Torque Rear driving mode, which allows the driver to control the level of rear axle slip through seven stages.  The system uses wheel speed, steering angle and throttle position sensors to tweak the car’s stability systems through a corner, and should allow the driver to dig deeper into the GT’s capabilities. 

This version produces more downforce than the standard R8 as it has a bespoke front splitter, canard flaps, side skirts, and a revised diffuser, all fashioned from carbon fibre. The GT’s also gets swan-neck mounts for its rear wing, cleaning up the airflow along its lower surface. 

The specific interior treatments are modest; R8 was already well-sorted there. It has full-blown bucket seats and flashes of red pick out the R8 GT’s seat belts and floor mats.