Geneva Motor Show: New Audi R8 LMS breaks cover

It ain’t an easy task to develop a successor to the car that won 26 GT3 championships and emerged on top step of the podium at seven occasions in 24-hour races. But Audi excels at making one race winning car after another, as illustrated by the new R8 LMS.

Under the hood, the R8 LMS is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 engine that produces 585bhp. The power is channeled to the wheels through a six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters.

Aerodynamics are also revised with a fully lined underfloor and a conceptually integrated rear diffuser. Other changes include redesigned wheel wells to improve air circulation in the car to 250 litres per second at 200km/h.

Despite the changes and additional safety features to comply with 2016 GT3 regulations, Audi managed to shove off 25 kg of weight, with the new sportscar now weighing just 1250 kgs.

The Audi R8 LMS will make its race debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May before heading to Belgium for a similar race around the equally iconic Spa Francorchamps Circuit.