While Audi is waving goodbye to the ICE-powered R8, ABT Sportsline revealed what might be the most extreme version of the supercar that is available for sale. The ABT XGT is a street-legal track monster heavily based on the Audi R8 LMS GT2 racecar, with a limited production of 99 units and a €600k ($650k) price tag.
It takes a single look to realize that the ABT XGT is not your typical R8. The wider body with flaps, intakes, and oversized aero components is identical to the R8 LMS GT2. The only visible difference is the street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires wrapped around ABT’s center-lock forged wheels that measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back. The color palette includes four different shades for the exterior (Glacier White, Mythos Black, Verde Mantis, and Nardo Gray), alongside a special “heritage” livery and unlimited personalized options.
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ABT Sportsline
The interior also looks very similar to the R8 LMS GT2, retaining the roll cage, the racing steering wheel, and the motorsport-style center console. In order to make the ABT XGT compatible with daily driving, the tuner added a new digital instrument cluster, a handbrake, an immobilizer, a reversing camera, plus the necessary controls for the air conditioning, mirrors, central locking, and indicators.
Since this is a street-legal car, ABT had to conduct crash tests. They also had to comply with emission and noise regulations which is why the model comes fitted with a new exhaust. Furthermore, a fuelling system sourced from the production-spec Audi R8 allows owners to refuel in gas stations.
The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 630 hp (470 kW / 640 PS), matching the output of the GT2 racecar. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The top speed is 310 km/h (193 miles) although the number depends on the setting of the adjustable rear spoiler. Notably, the unladen weight of 1,400 kg (3,087) makes the ABT XGT lighter than any other roadgoing version of the R8 – including the Audi R8 Coupe GT RWD.
ABT says that the two-year development process of the supercar included “extensive road tests” but also “thousands of km” of hot laps around Nürburgring Nordschleife, Sachsenring, and Hockenheimring. The goal was to preserve the character of the original racecar which is why DTM drivers Kelvin van der Linde and Ricardo Feller were employed alongside the entire DTM Team of ABT Sportsline. The dual-adjustable suspension with modified springs allows owners to tailor the setup based on the specific requirements of each track.
ABT is accepting orders for the XGT although we suspect that the 99 units will be sold out sooner or later despite the starting price of €598,000 ($651,562).
