The New Audi R8 LMS GT2 Revealed

Paul Jeffrey · Jul 5, 2019

Audi Sport have revealed their brand new Audi R8 LMS GT2 machine - ahead of the 2020 debut for the new category of racing.

Built for the massive customer scene that exists in the current racing landscape, the new for 2020 Audi R8 LMS GT2 represents the second major brand to commit to the new series announced in 2018 by SRO, the organisation that already manages many of the top level GT3 specification categories such as the Blancpain GT Series and Intercontinental GT Challenge by Pirelli.

GT2, set to act as a bridging gap between existing GT3 and GT4, has been designed as a series that appeals to amateur drivers and should deliver in the region of 600 - 700hp cars - fast, but without many of the high tech and expensive extras found on the current generation of GT3 machinery.

The announcement this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed means that Audi now join the list of confirmed GT2 manufacturers for 2020, coming together with Porsche who confirmed a GT2 specification 911 RS GT2 Clubsport back in late 2018.

The Audi will become the "the top end of the range in terms of engine power and top speed with an output of 470 kW (640 hp)" according to Audi Sport, and let's be honest here, for a small car... it looks awesome.

Looking forward to the new GT2 category?

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Alexandre · Jul 5, 2019

I will not be surprised if it became more popular than GT3 in a very soon future. Old school mode, lot of power, less aero.

Stuntman Daz · Jul 5, 2019

Interesting definitely, except I can't get my head round how GT2 is supposed to fit between GT3 and GT4

Filip Carlén · Jul 5, 2019

General_RIMT · Jul 5, 2019

Stuntman Daz said:
Interesting definitely, except I can't get my head round how GT2 is supposed to fit between GT3 and GT4

Alot less aero and less tinkering that can be done compared to GT3, but more aero and tinkering than gt4. The operating cost is supposed to be also in the middle of those two as well.

CMGARAGE · Jul 5, 2019

General_RIMT said:
Alot less aero and less tinkering that can be done compared to GT3, but more aero and tinkering than gt4. The operating cost is supposed to be also in the middle of those two as well.

I'm guessing the confusion will come from the fact 2 traditionally comes before 3 and not in between 3 and 4.

Kjell81d · Jul 5, 2019

Seems like a way to cram in a needless GT class. Does there really need to be a class between GT4 & GT3? And why name is it GT2? Just call it GT3.5. In five years there will be another GT1 class but it'll be between GTE and GT3.

MPortnoy · Jul 5, 2019

General_RIMT said:
Alot less aero and less tinkering that can be done compared to GT3, but more aero and tinkering than gt4. The operating cost is supposed to be also in the middle of those two as well.

I think he means it in a more simplistic way, meaning how is 2 supposed to go between 3 and 4

Sky · Jul 5, 2019

gte should be renamed gt5 for added confusion

RufGTI · Jul 5, 2019

Kjell81d said:
Seems like a way to cram in a needless GT class. Does there really need to be a class between GT4 & GT3? And why name is it GT2? Just call it GT3.5. In five years there will be another GT1 class but it'll be between GTE and GT3.

I'd rather count Porsche 911/Lamborghini Huracan/Ferrari 488 Cup cars to a GT3.5 class.

I've read somewhere that Stephane Ratel, the boss of SRO, also uses this class as a counterinsurance in case the FIA should merge the GTE and GT3 classes in the future.

erba72 · Jul 5, 2019

This looks savage.
Less aero than GT3, about 100bhp more powerfull = super top speed !

Daniel Monteiro · Jul 5, 2019

This could be the healthy death of GT3, and I mean this in a good way

But not much can be said until we see them in proper action.

bm91 · Jul 5, 2019

It looks weird to put the pillars behind the rear wing. I'm not sure about the aero efficiency

Jay Loop · Jul 6, 2019

bm91 said:
It looks weird to put the pillars behind the rear wing. I'm not sure about the aero efficiency

I think this is like a "concept design". The real car will be inspired by this I guess.

LagunaSeca · Jul 6, 2019

Now I am hoping someone can make that steering wheel replica with rubber handle so I can buy it for my own rig

AyrtJ97 · Jul 6, 2019

So now GT2 will be a "bridge" between GT3 and GT4... I'm really confused now... GT1 on the 90s became GTLM... GT2 on the 90s was what became the now defunct GT1 class (the one with the DBR9, the MC12...), then GT2 was a class for less advanced cars, and GT3 was up for more "street-like" cars (well... ehem....). But now we have GT3, GTE (which is a short of GTE with different specs), GT4... and GT2 will be a class between GT3 and 4... yeah, easy to understand....

PegaMixel · Jul 6, 2019

I can see alot of Pro drivers getting frustrated over this. Acording to the SCO the GT2 class will be mainly for gentleman drivers. Thats gonna be a rough time if the GT3 Pro drivers overtake the GT2s in the twisty parts just to get blasted by on the straight again. Rinse and repeat.

Nick Gregory · Jul 6, 2019

1. Why is Audi introducing a new race car based on one that is going to be replaced by an EV in 2021?

2. This GT2 class is going to be something that begins with "cluster". GT2 cars are going to to keep up with and even be able to overtake GT3 cars in straights, but then GT3 cars will have them in braking and cornering. And they'll be driven by gentlemen drivers, and they already can create enough problems when you put them in GT3 or GT4 cars.