China glimpses at the Audi R8 LMS GT4 at the Shanghai International Circuit

The Audi R8 LMS GT4 race car made its first appearance in China this past weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, during the Audi Sport festival which also included the Audi R8 LMS Cup race weekend. 

Alongside the R8 LMS GT3 and the RS 3 LMS, the R8 LMS GT4 is the third race car from Audi Sport customer racing, and also marks the marque’s first foray into the fast-growing GT4 segment.

This strengthens Audi Sport’s focus on gentlemen drivers — Martin Kuehl, Director of Audi Sport customer racing Asia, comments that the R8 LMS GT4 is “a dynamic, customer-friendly, cost-effective and safe racing car tailor-made for gentlemen drivers and those embarking on a GT career.”

The R8 LMS GT4 is derived directly from the road-going R8 Coupé V10, sharing over 60% of its parts. The R8 LMS GT4 is equipped with a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine, while a 7-speed double-clutch transmission puts all 495 bhp to the rear wheels.

Drivers competing in the heat and humidity of Asia will be glad to hear that the R8 LMS GT4 comes equipped with air-conditioning as standard. Customer orders will commence at the end of the year; however, interested teams and drivers may now pre-register with Audi Sport customer racing Asia.