Here at MotoringExposure we’re introducing a new feature called “You Decide”. Because we are all about you, the fan, we’re giving you the chance to decide the winner in a head-to-head battle of cars. We will post two cars that offer similar performance and price along with the specifications, performance times, and a short summary of each. Then, you can decide the winner by leaving a comment telling us what you picked and why.
This week, we are putting two German track stars in the ring to battle it out. Both the Audi R8 GT and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 are two lightweight cars designed for maximum performance on the racetrack. While the Audi has four more cylinders and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Porsche has a motorsport-based flat six at the rear axle and years of racing pedigree. So, who wins? You decide!
Audi R8 GT
The Audi R8 GT is the most potent and powerful variant in the R8 model line. And, it’s also the lightest. Since winning the “World Performance Car” award in both 2008 and 2010, and amassing over 23 racing victories, Audi has taken the successful R8 and made a limited run of 333 lightweight models named the “R8 GT”. Audi used carbon fiber, thinner glass, and even lightweight carpeting to cut weight by 220 pounds, resulting in a scant 3,362-pound overall weight. The exterior was tweaked for additional downforce, wider forged wheels were fitted, and the suspension was tuned for the track. Even the powerful 5.2-liter V-10 engine received a power bump to 560 horsepower and 398 lb-ft. of torque, launching the R8 GT to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, 124 mph in 10.8 seconds, and to a top speed of 199 mph.
Audi R8 GT Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 5.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-10
Engine Weight: 258 kg (568.79 lbs)
Maximum Horsepower: 560
Maximum Torque: 398.28 lb-ft. at 6,500 RPM
Engine Redline: 8,700 RPM
Power Output (per liter of displacement): 107.6 hp/l
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed R tronic sequential manual transmission
Drive: Quattro permanent all-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 10.8 seconds
Top Speed: 198.84 mph
Suspension and Chassis:
-Aluminum double wishbones
-Hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
-Manually adjustable coilover suspension
-Higher front and rear camber rates
Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Forged, five twin-spoke “Y” design in titanium-look finish
Front Wheels: 8.5 J x 19
Rear Wheels: 11 J x 19
Front Tires: 235/35
Rear Tires: 295/30, optional 305/30
Brake Discs: Carbon fiber ceramic, internally ventilated
Front Brake Discs: 14.96 inches
Rear Brake Discs: 14.02 inches
Audi R8 GT Price: €193,000
[Source: Audi]
Audi R8 GT Gallery
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
The Porsche 911 GT3 is designed to provide drivers with a rewarding motorsport-oriented experience. The current 997.2 generation of 911 has spawned three different versions, the standard GT3, the RS, and the GT3 RS 4.0, the latter of which is the closest thing to a pure-bred racecar that Porsche offers. The engine itself is the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever used in the 911, and is based on the same 4.0-liter engines used in the 911 GT3 RSR racecars. Every step from carbon fiber bodywork to weight-optimized carpeting has been taken to reduce weight down to 2,998-lbs. The incredibly low weight, 500 horsepower, and 339 lb-ft. of torque rocket the GT3 RS 4.0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, 124 mph in 11.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 193 mph. Downforce-optimized bodywork and a large rear spoiler improve stability and handling, while wide center-locking wheels and road-legal sport tires have been fitted for added grip.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Maximum Horsepower: 500 at 8,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 339 lb.-ft. 5,750 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual with short-throw shifter and single mass flywheel
Drive: Rear wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Acceleration 0-99 mph: 7.9 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 11.9 seconds
Top Speed: 193 mph
Chassis:
Front Axle: McPherson strut suspension
Rear Axle: LSA multi-link suspension
Brakes: Six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at front and four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed calipers at rear, discs internally vented and cross-drilled
Vehicle Stability System: Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
Anti-lock Braking System: ABS 8.0 (integrated in PSM)
Wheels Front: 9 J x 19 RO 47
Wheels Rear: 12 J x 19 RO 48
Front Tires: 245/35 ZR 19 (sports tires)
Rear Tires: 325/30 ZR 19 (high performance summer tires)
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Price: €178,596
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXHNJGf3A5k
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Gallery
[Source: Porsche]
So, what will you pick? The Audi R8 GT boasts more power and quicker acceleration numbers, but still outweighs the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 also comes in at only €178,596, while the R8 GT is priced at €193,000. Will it be the 500 horsepower rear-wheel drive 911 or the V-10 lightweight R8? You Decide!
