2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo

The 2019 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo arrived at the Paris Motor Show with a comprehensive package of aerodynamic, mechanical, and transmission upgrades, designed to make the GT3 racing car more accessible to gentleman drivers while keeping the boundary-level pace that made the R8 LMS a consistent front-runner in customer motorsport worldwide.

Engine and Powertrain: The 5.2-Litre V10

The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine is carried over largely unchanged, producing up to 585 hp in full race configuration. Audi Sport chose to focus its engineering resources on reliability and serviceability rather than outright power. Service intervals have been extended, with a major service required every 10,000 km and a full rebuild at 20,000 km, significantly reducing operating costs for customer teams across a season. The engine delivers abundant torque, making the car approachable for drivers who are not factory-contracted professionals.

Aerodynamic Updates and Carbon Fibre Interior

The most visible changes on the R8 LMS GT3 Evo are at the front. A revised fascia, new splitter, and enlarged hood vents with additional air intakes beside the headlights improve downforce consistency and reduce aerodynamic sensitivity to ride height variation. The modified front end also improves airflow to the rear brakes, a weak point on earlier iterations. Inside, the dashboard and centre stack are constructed entirely from carbon fibre, as is the pedal box. The car weighs approximately 1,225 kg dry, giving the V10 a favourable power-to-weight ratio for GT3 competition.

Transmission Improvements for Durability

The sequential transmission received purpose-engineered gear teeth profiles, reinforced bearings, and a strengthened clutch assembly. These changes cut transmission rebuild intervals by 50 percent compared to the previous generation, a significant operational saving for teams competing in endurance formats. Combined with the extended engine service schedule, the R8 LMS GT3 Evo was explicitly developed to reduce the total cost of ownership for amateur and semi-professional customer racing programmes. Priced at 398,000 euros plus tax, it targets teams that want a competitive GT3 car with predictable running costs.

Audi Sport Customer Racing has consistently delivered competitive GT3 machinery for privateer teams. For more performance cars and collector vehicles, explore TheArsenale's curated selection of performance cars. You can also read the detailed Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo unveil coverage at The Drive and the technical analysis at evo magazine.