The Audi R8

The Audi R8 signifies the start of an awesome era of racing for Audi. Introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Audi R8R, the Audi R8 became one of the most successful racing cars in sport car racing. It pretty much dominated the French Endurance race, Le Mans, for 5 years upon arrival, taking first place in 2000,2001,2002,2004 and 2005 and coming third in 2003, check out lemans-history.com if you need proof! It was also the first car to ever beat the Toyota TS020 GT ONE’s qualifying lap record.

The R8, which produces 520hp, has a 3.6 L Audi FSI V8 engine which was designed to maximise fuel economy and power without sacrificing one or the other. The Audi R8 contains a computer controlled clutch which eliminates any need for the driver to even touch the clutch pedal.

The R8’s body and structure are both built with lightweight carbon fibre and was designed in a way to increase the speed of any necessary part changes during a race. Whilst the R8 made such a huge impact on the racing world, its legend drew to a close in 2005 despite taking first place in Le Mans in that very same year.