29/08/2008 09:13. For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from late 2009.

The release of this car has sparked speculation that Audi could use it as a test for the feasability of a road-going R8 GT3 to compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 GT2/GT3 and Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,†explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we... // Car and SUV