2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra

Audi has launched the R8 LMS Ultra, a race car that’ll be available to customer teams from March 2012.

An evolution of the R8 LMS GT3, the Ultra has been developed by quattro GmbH and incorporates numerous changes.



In the engine bay, the 562 bhp (419 kW / 570 PS) 5.2 litre V10 gets a new exhaust system that allows for improved low-range torque, and there are larger engine oil and transmission fluid coolers. Air supply has also been improved thanks to bigger intakes in the R8’s side blades.



Tweaks to the bodywork include a broader front bonnet section that features extra vents, while the rear wing is wider than before and has larger end plates to maximise aerodynamic downforce. In the interests of reducing weight, the doors are now constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, and they incorporate a new high-energy absorbing crash foam.



Wider 12-inch front wheels are fitted, and these benefit from better brake cooling and improved tyres. Suspension modifications are limited to enhanced, lighter Bilstein dampers and uniball joints for the transverse control arm mounts.



The 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra is priced at €329,900 (plus VAT), an amount that equates to around £281,900 or US$444,100 at current exchange rates.



Owners of existing cars will be able to get them updated to full Ultra spec or, for any teams considering just a partial upgrade, Audi is working on obtaining individual homologation for each new aerodynamic component.



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2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled an updated 911 GT3 RSR for 2012.



Aimed at customer race teams, the 997-based car has been built to ACO GTE regulations, which means it’ll be able to compete in next year’s inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series and International GT Open.

The most striking visual changes are the larger wheel arches, which make the 911 GT3 RSR 48 millimetres (1.9 inches) wider than before. Consequently the rear section, front valence and door sills have all had to be adapted, while modified intakes in the rear panels now feed air to the engine.



Installed in its customary place out back is a four litre, six-cylinder boxer engine that develops 453 bhp (338 kW / 460 PS) and drives through a sequential six-speed transmission. That power output might seem strangely low given that the street-legal 911 GT3 RS 4.0 boasts 493 bhp (368 kW / 500 PS), but the race version has a mandatory air restrictor fitted that’s clearly doing its job.

Deliveries of the revised Porsche 911 GT3 RSR are due to begin in January 2012. The price, excluding VAT, is €498,000 (around £428,200 or US$685,900 at current exchange rates).



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Aston Martin AMR-One

Aston Martin Racing has unveiled its AMR-One LMP1 racer, which will be used to contest this year’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Although it seems likely that the team will miss the opening round at Sebring, it is expected to participate in the remaining events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Unlike the rival Peugeot 908 HDi FAP and Audi R18 TDI, the AMR-One’s two litre, six cylinder, turbocharged engine uses petrol, not diesel. That choice follows a commitment by ILMC organisers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, to modify the regulations to better equalise performance levels from the two fuels.



Further emphasising the different approach from its two main opponents, the AMR-One is an open-cockpit car. The bespoke carbon fibre monocoque chassis is brand new, and features a prominent aerodynamic fin.

When plans for an LMP1 challenger were first revealed last year, it was said that just six cars would be built. Aston Martin Racing has indeed been true to its word, and the factory team will be running two of them. Car #007 is going to be in the hands of Darren Turner, Stefan Mücke and an as yet unconfirmed third driver, while car #009 will see Adrian Fernandez, Andy Meyrick and Harold Primat behind the wheel.



Aston Martin is planning to commence testing the AMR-One soon, ahead of a competition debut at the 6 Heures du Castellet, the first race of the 2011 Le Mans Series that takes place on 3 April.



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