2012 Audi R8 LMS ultra

Audi R8 LMS ultra to be launched in 2012

• Deliveries of new vehicle to start in March 2012

• Next generation of successful customer sport race car

• Further technical development for even better performance

2012 Audi R8 LMS ultraIn 2012, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will succeed the successful R8 LMS GT3 sports car with which R8 LMS customers have won 115 races and 12 national and international titles in the space of just three years.

Improving a totally successful vehicle yet again: This was the challenging task specified for the engineers of quattro GmbH. Audi's wholly owned subsidiary that has been responsible for the customer sport program as of this season pursued a clear aim for this project. 'Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated their wishes for the various fields in which the car is used,' says Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. 'We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details. In the R8 LMS ultra we consistently implemented all the performance measures which ensure that we'll be able to continue to offer an intercontinentally competitive and attractive race car in the future.'

Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH, and his development team focused on several central areas. New doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams not only help reduce the race car's weight even further but also result in another increase in passive safety. The new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, which is now part of the standard equipment, serves this purpose as well. It offers perfect protection and clearly surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads.

An updated transmission provides additional reserves on long-distance runs. In the past season, the Audi R8 LMS had already made its mark as an excellent long-distance expert and achieved overall victories at the Bathurst (Australia) 12 Hours, the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours and GT3 class victory plus third place overall at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

A new exhaust system equipped with race catalytic converters helps improve the engine's characteristics. The V10 mid-engine can draw on even higher torque at lower engine speeds. The 5.2-liter unit delivers a power output of up to 419 kW (570 HP), depending on restrictor regulations. It is still based on the production engine produced at Audi's plant in Györ, Hungary. Mileages of up to 20,000 kilometers were certainly typical in customer operations before and continue to be easily achieved.

The optimized cooling system of the race car successfully combines several objectives. In addition to a larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, an oil cooler for the steering hydraulics that used to be installed at the front is now located in the vehicle's mid-section. The characteristic side blades of the Audi R8 enable enlarged air vents for the cooling system in the new R8 LMS ultra for improved thermal management. At the same time, air supply to the radiator at the front of the vehicle has been improved, as has the interior ventilation.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used. As of the next season, development partner Michelin will be offering wider – 30-65/18 – tires, which allow more consistent lap times to be achieved. Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels improves the durability of the braking system. Instead of the previous silent rubber mounts the transverse control arm mounts now feature uniball joints. Weight-reduced compression and rebound-adjustable gas dampers with optimized characteristics from partner Bilstein complete the chassis package and represent the latest state of development.

2012 Audi R8 LMS ultra
Aerodynamic improvements complement the changes for 2012. The wider front hood has been optionally provided with louvers, subject to permission by the homologation rules for the various racing series. The new rear wing has been widened and now features larger end plates. Work in the Audi wind tunnel has led to a yet more efficient position of the wing for maximum downforce and minimized aerodynamic drag. The improved air flow and larger effective area increase downforce on the rear axle. A new front plate with optimized diffusion under the front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.


As of 2012, all new vehicles will be equipped with the evolution stage described above. For the existing vehicles, quattro GmbH offers conversions to the 2012 evolution stage.

In addition, Audi is pursuing a subsequent homologation for individual aerodynamic improvements to include the 2011-generation vehicles. This ensures that the current model continues to be competitive with slight modifications.

'We're convinced that the Audi R8 LMS ultra will continue the successes of its predecessor,' stresses Romolo Liebchen. 'With over 40 customer sport vehicles delivered, the first generation of the R8 LMS was already a sporting and commercial success.'

The selling price of the Audi R8 LMS ultra is EÚR 329,900.00 plus VAT. Deliveries will commence in March 2012.

Source - Audi

Recent Vehicle Additions

Related Automotive News

BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES SEASON FINALE FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUDI SPORT CUSTOMER RACING

BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES SEASON FINALE FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS FOR AUDI SPORT CUSTOMER RACING

Audi R8 LMS ultra to battle for the title at the Nürburgring Four teams with seven GT3 race cars from Audi on the grid Skiing world champion Didier Cuche to celebrate Audi racing debut Ingolstadt, September 16, 2014 – In GT racing, Audi will be ce...
Audi of America customer-racing continues to add new Audi R8 LMS ultra teams ahead of Long Beach race

Audi of America customer-racing continues to add new Audi R8 LMS ultra teams ahead of Long Beach race

- CRP Racing chooses Audi R8 LMS ultra to contest Pirelli World Challenge - James Sofronas from GMG racing looks to defend win from last year - Rookie driver and GT-A winner of St. Petersburg opener, Andrew Palmer, moved up to GT class HERNDON,...
AUDI R8 LMS ULTRA ON PODIUM AT SPA

AUDI R8 LMS ULTRA ON PODIUM AT SPA

Current balance of performance hardly leaves any chances for Audi R8 LMS ultra Belgian Audi Club Team WRT takes third place after brilliant team performance High risk increased retirement rate IngolstadtSpa, July 28, 2013 – At the Spa 24...
Audi Customers Pass Tough Eifel Test

Audi Customers Pass Tough Eifel Test

Race interruption and high retirement rate due to extreme weather G-Drive Racing by Phoenix best Audi customer team in fifth place Three Audi R8 LMS ultra cars among the top ten IngolstadtNürburg, May 20, 2013 – The customer teams of last...
Motorsport Newsletter 44/2012: Marchy Lee triumphs in Audi R8 LMS Cup

Motorsport Newsletter 44/2012: Marchy Lee triumphs in Audi R8 LMS Cup

Mortara takes double victory and Lee becomes first Cup Champion Honor for Marcel Fassler in Switzerland Miguel Molina and Marc Gené attend vehicle handover to Real Madrid Under the eyes of Olympic fencing gold medalist Britta Hei...
Formula 1 intensifies development of Aston Martin Valhalla supercar

Formula 1 intensifies development of Aston Martin Valhalla supercar

Development of new Aston Martin Valhalla supercar has shifted up a gear via the use of Formula 1® methodologies, experience and technologies Aston Martin Performance Technologies providing the tools, learnings and expertise of Formula 1® Valhall...
Emira: the most powerful four-cylinder Lotus sports car ever

Emira: the most powerful four-cylinder Lotus sports car ever

Second powertrain in the Emira range extends appeal of award-winning Lotus State-of-the-art, 360bhp (365PS) mid-mounted makes Emira most powerful four-cylinder Lotus sports car of all time Eight-speed dual-clutch tran...
The limited edition Audi R8 GT is the most powerful RWD Audi ever

The limited edition Audi R8 GT is the most powerful RWD Audi ever

Limited to 150 units in U.S. with consecutive numbering and exclusive content 602 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine combined with RWD New Torque Rear drive mode enables precise and controlled oversteering on a track Today, Audi of America pays...
Chevrolet Debuts Mid-Engine C8.R For Next Racing Season

Chevrolet Debuts Mid-Engine C8.R For Next Racing Season

The Corvette race car shows off its new colors and clean sheet design built on enhanced technology transfer BRASELTON, Ga. — Chevrolet begins a new chapter in its storied racing legacy with the introduction of the new mid-engine Corvette race car, known...
THE McLAREN F1

THE McLAREN F1

FOR THE DRIVER VITALLY – AS IN ONE OF McLARENS WORLD CHAMPION RACING CARS – DRIVER AND VEHICLE BECOME ENTIRELY AS ONE The primary design consideration for the McLaren F1 has been to make it without reserve a drivers car, an extremely high-performance...

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.