Audi R8 ClubSport

[Andy_Bangle]

Within the next two years, Audi plans to have five different variants of the R8 in production: V8- and V10-powered coupes and convertibles, and one harder-core variant tuned to play as well on the track as it does on the road. This newest, lightweight model – likely carrying either a ClubSport (CS) or GT badge – has been undergoing testing in Germany this week, and beyond the sinister matte-black paint scheme (with matching fuel door), there are a few choice modifications to the body to set it apart from its standard siblings.

The front fascia has been lowered slightly with the addition of a new splitter and reshaped winglets, while out back you'll notice the larger, round exhaust outlets, restyled rear bumper with new air outlets aft of the wheels and that shapely fixed rear wing. The rolling stock appears to have grown a bit and larger carbon ceramic brakes are fitted at all four corners.

It's likely that Audi is using a fair amount of carbon fiber bodywork to bring the ClubSport's curbweight down by a couple hundred pounds, and judging by the side-sill intakes, a V10 – possibly mated to a new dual-clutch gearbox – remains mounted amidships. Given the current pace of development, we'd suspect Audi plans to unveil its latest R8 project this year, possibly at the Paris Motor Show in the fall.

[Mook]

They'll all look a bit duff with MOTOR TREND down the side of them.