Audi R8 LMS Unveiled At Essen Motor Show

We brought you most of the juicy details back in August when we first spoke of the GT3-spec Audi R8, but there were a few important pieces missing from the puzzle. The R8 LMS' recent unveiling at the Essen motor show has filled in the gaps and, on engine-spec alone, it was worth the wait.

More power was a given for the FIA compatible racer and while we knew the R8 would be packing over 370kWs, 500hp in the old money, we didn't know that it would come courtesy of a 5.2 litre V10 engine. Though it has not officially been confirmed, there are no prizes for guessing this might be an iteration of the Gallardo's power-plant.

The aggressive aero components have a purpose. The prodigious torque of that V10, combined with a six-speed sequential shifter with hydraulics lifted straight from the Le Mans 24 Hours-winning R10 prototype, propels the RWD LMS from 0-100km/h in under four seconds. Equally as impressive, top speed is listed as 'well over' 320km/h.

The road-going race car has already found an audience with up to eight customer cars set to compete in different European race series and at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance event next year. An endurance version of the R8 LMS will be available for the event, sporting a 120 litre fuel tank.

First customers will be taking delivery early next year but, if you're keen to get involved, you'll be looking at a cool AUD$470,000 or so to get a set of keys. We might just add this to our wish list and hope Santa is feeling generous.