As Audi bids farewell to the combustion-engined R8, ABT Sportsline has revealed what may be the most extreme version of the supercar available to buy. The ABT XGT is a street-legal racing monster loosely based on the Audi R8 LMS GT2 race car. A total of 99 copies will be made, each of which will cost at least 600 thousand euros (~58 million rubles).
One glance is enough to understand that the ABT XGT is not your typical R8. The wider body with flaps, air intakes and larger aerodynamic components is identical to the racing R8 LMS GT2.
The only visible difference is the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R road tires, which are wrapped on forged ABT center-lock wheels that measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
The color palette includes four different exterior shades (Glacier White, Mythos Black, Verde Mantis and Nardo Grey), as well as a special historical livery and unlimited personalization options.
The interior is also very similar to the R8 LMS GT2, retaining the roll cage, racing steering wheel and racing-inspired center console. To make the ABT XGT compatible with everyday driving, the tuner has added a new digital instrument cluster, handbrake, immobilizer, rear view camera, as well as essential controls for air conditioning, mirrors, central locking and turn indicators.
Since this is a car designed for street use, ABT had to carry out crash tests. They also had to comply with emissions and noise regulations, which is why the model is equipped with a new exhaust system. In addition, the refueling system, borrowed from the production Audi R8, allows owners to refuel at regular gas stations.
The naturally aspirated V10 with a displacement of 5.2 liters develops a power of 640 hp. (470 kW), which corresponds to the performance of a GT2 class racing car. Drive is rear-wheel drive, via a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Top speed reaches 310 km/h, although this number depends on the setting of the adjustable rear spoiler. Notably, the 1,400kg curb weight makes the ABT XGT lighter than any other road-going version of the R8, including the Audi R8 Coupe GT RWD.
ABT says the supercar’s two-year development process included “extensive road testing” as well as “thousands of kilometers” of hot laps around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Sachsenring and Hockenheimring.
The goal was to preserve the character of the original racing car, so DTM drivers Kelvin van der Linde and Ricardo Veller were hired along with the entire ABT Sportsline DTM team.
Dual adjustable suspension with modified springs allows owners to tune the car to suit the specific requirements of each track.
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