The latest generation of the Audi R8 LMS has been racing in the ADAC GT Masters since 2016, during which time it has won 20 races and claimed two titles in both the Driver and Team competitions. The manufacturer with the four rings is now introducing an upgrade in the form of the second Evo version, which will be in action in the German GT Championship from next season.
“The new evolutionary stage meets the needs of our customers even more,” says Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “The majority of the innovations reflect the wishes that the teams have expressed to us.” Audi Sport has optimised five areas of the R8 LMS: aerodynamics, engine characteristics, climate control, chassis and traction control. To complete its testing, Audi Sport customer racing will give the new model its first race outings before the end of this season.
The most visually striking change is the new, rear-mounted rear wing. Instead of top aerodynamic figures, the focus with the Audi R8 LMS evo II is once again on improved driveability. With greater downforce generated, the majority of this is shifted from the underfloor to the rear wing. This makes the mid-engine sports car less sensitive under braking. Even with the previous evolutionary stage, Audi had managed to achieve a more consistent downforce across various different areas. Since then different ride heights, which the teams can set by configuring the chassis, and driving situations at different speeds and in different situations, such as braking into and accelerating out of corners, have had less effect on airflow. The result is a higher degree of aerodynamic stability, which gives a more consistent feel when driving.
The engine has a new intake system with an improved torque curve. The intake manifolds have been extended by 30 millimetres, increasing the torque in the lower and medium rpm range. As a result, the engine, which is almost a standard unit, has greater potential than before when accelerating out of corners. The teams also benefit from improvements when it comes to power transmission. The familiar traction control adapts the power train – from the engine, via the three-disc racing clutch and six-speed sequential gearbox, to the tyres – to the track conditions. In the cockpit, different programme characteristics can be selected. The ability to regulate the way the traction control engages at the apex of a turn and at the end of this procedure, independently of each other and across the whole adjustment range, is also new. Two new switches on the steering wheel make it easier to perform this fine-tuning.
The modified components also include four-way adjustable shock absorbers in the chassis. They replace the two-way adjustable shocks in the car’s predecessor. The benefit for the teams: a wider range of chassis configurations, without additional modifications. An air conditioning system rounds off the package for the R8 LMS evo II.
Teams can order the new technology package for the 2022 season as a whole car or an upgrade kit to retrofit existing models.
Audi Sport is now in its tenth season as Official Car Partner of the ADAC GT Masters. Among other things, Audi Sport provides the Safety Car and the Lead Car in the German GT Championship.