As the Audi R8 approaches its final production year in 2023, Germany-based Abt, renowned for its motorsports expertise and strong connection with Audi, has unveiled a street-legal marvel: the Abt XGT. This creation is effectively a road-adapted version of the Audi R8 LMS GT2 racing car.
The conception of the Abt XGT, a project that spanned over two years, was a collaborative effort with Scherer Sport, another German motorsports entity with a history of racing Audi R8s. Scherer Sport not only played a key role in the development but will also manage distribution and servicing for the XGT model.
This endeavor aimed to encapsulate the essence of racing in a user-friendly format, negating the need for a specialized racing crew for operation. Rooted in the Audi R8 framework, the XGT mirrors the design and specifications of the R8 LMS GT2, an endurance racing vehicle first revealed in 2019 for the GT2 series organized by SRO, and also participating in various other championships, including Germany’s DTM.
The XGT boasts a formidable 640 horsepower through a 5.2-liter V-10 engine, akin to its race track counterpart. Contrasting the racing model’s sequential gearbox, the XGT incorporates a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a feature it shares with the commercial R8, channeling power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Unique to the XGT are Abt-designed wheels, with a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear diameter, equipped with center locks and standard Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. The vehicle also features an adjustable suspension system with custom springs.
Although its suspension offers a higher ride height compared to the race car, the XGT’s driving experience is unparalleled in the realm of road vehicles, as testified by Audi factory driver and Scherer brand ambassador Frank Stippler. Stippler, who contributed to the XGT’s development, tested it extensively on tracks including the Nürburgring.
A significant portion of the XGT’s body is crafted from carbon fiber, contributing to its relatively light weight of about 3,086 pounds. The interior, while echoing the race car’s design, retains certain road car amenities such as air conditioning, a rearview camera, and basic control features.
The 2024 Abt XGT
Abt has disclosed a limited top speed of 192 mph for the XGT, a result of aerodynamic tuning favoring downforce over sheer velocity.
Production is capped at 99 units, each with a starting price of 598,000 euros (around $652,000). The availability of the XGT outside Europe remains uncertain.
Concurrent with the launch of the XGT, Audi introduced the R8 V10 GT last year, signaling the end of the R8 and its V-10 engine. An electric successor is on the horizon, potentially under a new moniker.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Abt XGT Audi R8
What is the Abt XGT?
The Abt XGT is a street-legal version of the Audi R8 LMS GT2 race car, developed by Germany’s Abt in collaboration with Scherer Sport. It combines high performance with everyday driving convenience.
The Abt XGT is based on the Audi R8 chassis and shares many features with the R8 LMS GT2 race car, including a 5.2-liter V-10 engine, but it has adaptations for road legality and comfort.
What makes the Abt XGT unique?
The Abt XGT features a 640-hp V-10 engine, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, custom Abt-designed wheels, adjustable suspension, and a predominantly carbon fiber body.
How has the performance of the Abt XGT been tailored for the road?
While maintaining high performance, the XGT has a suspension setup for higher ride height than the race car and includes road car features like air conditioning and a rearview camera.
What is the production limit and price of the Abt XGT?
Only 99 units of the Abt XGT will be produced, each priced at approximately 598,000 euros ($652,000). The availability outside Europe is not yet confirmed.
How does the Abt XGT signify the end of the Audi R8 era?
The introduction of the Abt XGT coincides with the final production year of the Audi R8 and its V-10 engine, marking the transition to Audi’s upcoming electric models.
More about Abt XGT Audi R8
- Abt XGT Official Page
- Audi R8 Legacy and Evolution
- Motorsports and Audi’s Involvement
- Future of Electric Vehicles in Racing
4 comments
wow the abt xgt sounds amazing, like a real beast on the road, can’t believe it’s actually street legal! audi r8 has always been a fav of mine.
gotta say, 640hp is no joke, but that price tag, ouch! Who’s gonna fork out over half a mil for this? but then again, if I had the cash…
did they mention anything about fuel efficiency? I mean, it’s a race car for the road, but still, curious about how it does on regular streets.
Love the collab between Abt and Scherer Sport, they always bring out the best in these cars. Curious about the electric successor tho, will it live up to the R8 legacy?