Road-legal Audi R8 GT2 racer revealed

German tuner ABT has revealed a road-going GT2 racing version of the Audi R8 supercar that’s claimed to be the “most exclusive vehicle” that has ever left the company’s plant in Kempten.

Dubbed the ABT XGT, this special R8 is aimed at “sporty drivers and motorsport enthusiasts” – just 99 units will be produced and each will cost €598,000 (~A$993,000).

Power comes from a tuned 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 470kW of power. For context, the engine in the R8 V10 GT RWD produces 456kW. This is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent through the rear wheels only.

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ABT hasn’t disclosed a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time for the XGT, though flat out you’ll be doing 310km/h depending on how the rear wing is set up. This is technically 10km/h less than the R8 V10 GT RWD.

Underneath there’s adjustable suspension, bespoke springs and dampers, forged springs, as well as Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.

The ABT XGT looks very similar to the Audi R8 LMS GT2 racer with the two cars sharing radical aerodynamic body elements such as a low front splitter, front canards, roof scoop, as well as a large rear wing.

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There’s a special exhaust system that has been made to ensure the car meets noise level and emissions standards. The car still is claimed to consume 20.7 litres per 100km, however.

Inside there’s a racing steering wheel, modified instrument cluster and control panel that can be used to control the electrically adjustable side mirrors, air conditioning and indicators.

Other civilian-focussed inclusions consist of an electric handbrake, central locking, a reversing camera, as well as an immobiliser.

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

ABT says XGT customers can choose from four different exterior paint colours, though individual options are available as each car is hand-built.

As recently reported, Audi is sending off the R8 with the limited-run GT RWD that didn’t come to Australia as the supercar was dropped locally in 2021.

The German carmaker recently posted a video to create an emotional sendoff for its first supercar which featured a range of V8- and V10-powered variants.

MORE: Everything Audi R8