Audi Starts Delivering R8 LMS GT2 Racer, Interested Parties Bring A $398K Cheque

Five months after the Audi R8 LMS GT2 was unveiled to the world at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, deliveries of the race car have kicked off just in time for Christmas.

Audi’s Neckarsulm facility is responsible for the construction of the R8 LMS GT2 and, interestingly, it is built by the same people that build each and every R8 for the road. Prior to each R8 LMS GT2 being given the tick of approval, Audi Sport customer racing performs pre-delivery preparations at the Heilbronn district of Biberach. All examples are painted in Suzuka-Gray with a gloss black roof.

Powering the R8 LMS GT2 is a screaming 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 churning out 630 HP, making it the most powerful model ever offered by Audi Sport customer racing.

Only For The Brave: Audi Sport Reveals New R8 LMS GT2 As Its More Powerful Customer Race Car

“With the Audi R8 LMS GT2 we’re opening up a new chapter in our history,” head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke said. “Starting in 2020, the GT2 class will enhance the world of GT racing by another valuable new category that immediately got a foothold on three continents. In addition, the race car is ideally suited for track days. In spite of its very specific concept design there are many things it has in common with the production model. They allow us to closely integrate the manufacturing process, which we are very proud of.”

Adorning the race car are a series of aggressive aerodynamic add-ons, including a large front splitter, massive rear diffuser, and a towering rear wing, as well as a sharp roof scoop feeding fresh air to that powerful V10.

The car is eligible to compete in GT2 Sports Club America, GT2 Sports Cup Europe, and GT2 Sports Club Asia championships. Prices start at a cool $398,000.