Audi R8 GT To Appear At 2011 Australian International Motor Show

Audi has confirmed that its ballistic R8 GT will appear at next month's 2011 Australian International Motor Show, despite all five of the supercar's local allotment selling out long ago.

As a treat for the brand's fans however, the ultra-exclusive version of the R8 5.2 FSI will be a welcome sight in Melbourne.

The R8 GT isn't just rarer than the regular R8 V10, it's also a good deal lighter and more powerful. Audi has eked a further 27kW of power from the big V10, making a total of 418kW.

The boost in power comes courtesy of tweaks to the engine electronics, leading also to a small boost in torque - up 10Nm to 540Nm at 6500rpm.

The 0-100km/h sprint is now covered in 3.6 seconds (3.9 for the regular R8 V10), and top speed is up to 320km/h (versus 316km/h).

Thanks to its aluminium spaceframe, the R8 was already close to its optimum weight. Nonetheless, Audi has managed to cut a further 100kg from the supercar's usual 1625kg kerb weight by swapping a number of aluminium panels for carbon fibre versions. There is also a thinner windscreen, and a polycarbonate rear window.

Audi has limited production of the R8 GT to just 333 units, with only five making their way to Australia. 

The Australian International Motor Show opens at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Other new models and concepts confirmed for the 2011 AIMS include the 2012 Subaru Impreza, Toyota Prius V and Prius C, the Suzuki Swift S-Concept, the Peugeot 508, the Range Rover Evoque, the Toyota FT-86 II Concept, the 2012 Audi A6 and the 2012 Jaguar XF. 

Appearances have also been confirmed for the all-new Lamborghini Aventador, the Lexus LF-Gh concept, the Mazda Shinari concept, and a preview of Australian carmaker JOSS Developments' upcoming JT1 supercar.

Follow TMR's coverage of the 2011 show at our special AIMS-dedicated page, and on our Twitter page.