Audi R8 LMS launches at 2015 Geneva Motor Show with lighter chassis and new safety features
Audi unveiled the all-new R8 LMS GT3 racer at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, introducing a lighter chassis, improved crash protection and a 585hp V10 ahead of its 2016 racing debut.
Audi unveiled the all-new R8 LMS GT3 car at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, marking a major update for its customer racing programme. The new racer, based on the second-generation R8, features a lighter chassis, revised safety equipment and a more powerful 5.2-litre V10 engine. Orders were set to open in the second half of 2015, with the car homologated for the 2016 GT3 season.
Introduction: Audi R8 LMS at Geneva
Chassis and Safety Upgrades for GT3 Racing
The 2016 R8 LMS introduces a multi-material Audi Space Frame chassis, combining aluminium and carbon fibre to cut the frame’s weight to 252kg, 30kg lighter than the previous model. Torsional rigidity is up by 39 percent, which should improve handling and crash protection. The total weight of the car stands at 1,225kg, 25kg less than its predecessor.
Powertrain and Driver-Focused Changes
The familiar 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 returns, tuned to deliver 585hp (430kW). Power is sent to the rear wheels through a new six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters. Audi has also introduced a quick-adjust foot lever system and a safety steering column adjustable for both height and length, allowing teams to tailor the cockpit to different drivers quickly during endurance events.
| Feature | 2016 Audi R8 LMS | Previous R8 LMS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2-litre V10, 585hp | 5.2-litre V10, lower output |
| Chassis Weight | 252kg | 282kg |
| Total Weight | 1,225kg | 1,250kg |
| Torsional Stiffness | +39% | Baseline |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential with paddles | Older sequential |
| Rear Crash Element | Carbon fibre (first in GT3) | Not available |
| Rescue Hatch | Yes (roof) | No |
Implications for Customer Teams
With the new R8 LMS, Audi aims to keep its customer teams competitive in international GT3 racing. The lighter chassis and improved safety features respond to evolving regulations and the demands of endurance racing. Teams will benefit from easier cockpit adjustments and a stiffer, safer platform. The car’s 2015 Geneva Motor Show debut put it alongside the road-going R8, highlighting the close connection between Audi’s racing and production models.
- Quick-adjustment systems for the cockpit, including the adjustable foot lever and steering column, are intended to reduce driver change times in endurance events.
- Improved torsional stiffness enhances both safety and suspension tuning, crucial for varied racing conditions.
- The new crash structure and rescue hatch set new benchmarks for GT3 safety compliance.
Comparison to Previous R8 LMS
Compared to its predecessor, the 2016 R8 LMS is lighter, stiffer, and more powerful. The chassis weight reduction of 30kg and the overall vehicle weight reduction of 25kg contribute to improved agility and efficiency on track. The jump in torsional rigidity by 39 percent is a substantial engineering achievement, promising better handling and responsiveness during high-speed cornering and under braking. The engine’s output of 585hp gives teams a competitive edge, while the new six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters brings the car in line with the latest GT3 standards.
The 2015 Geneva Motor Show Context
The R8 LMS joined a busy show floor in Geneva, which also saw debuts from rivals such as the Corvette Z06 and Radical RXC Turbo 500. The event served as a showcase for manufacturers to highlight their latest performance and racing models. Alongside the R8 LMS, Audi displayed the road-going versions of the new R8, underlining the close relationship between its motorsport and production vehicles. Other notable premieres included concepts and high-performance vehicles from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, and Volkswagen. The Geneva Motor Show remains a key date in the automotive calendar, offering a first look at upcoming models and motorsport innovations.
Summary
The 2016 Audi R8 LMS, launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, represents a significant step forward for Audi’s customer racing programme. With its lighter and stiffer chassis, innovative safety features, and a powerful V10 engine, the car is designed to meet the latest GT3 regulations and the demands of endurance racing. Its debut alongside the road-going R8 highlights Audi’s commitment to bridging the gap between motorsport and production technology, ensuring its customer teams remain competitive on the world stage.
