Here we have the first glimpse of what is to be the ultimate Audi R8: the ABT R8 XGT! A race car with street approval. Supercars are a unique, exciting, and highly emotional world. Only race cars can deliver an even greater thrill. With the XGT, ABT Sportsline combines these two worlds into a complete masterpiece. Born as a purebred GT2 car, the DTM racing team and vehicle tuner created the most exclusive vehicle ever to leave the ABT factory in Kempten through an extremely elaborate, two-year development process. With 640 hp, a weight of 1,400 kg, a limited run of 99 units, and the breathtaking appearance of a race car, this street-legal machine targets sporty drivers and motorsport enthusiasts. Its uniqueness also captivates collectors.
A unique blend of expertise
As a traditional racing team, ABT Sportsline has competed in more than 300 DTM races since 2000, winning dozens of individual races and achieving over 250 podium finishes, making it the most successful active DTM team today. This experience provided the perfect foundation for an ambitious project like the XGT. However, it is more than just a project. "It was the challenge itself that motivated us to develop this unique complete vehicle. The XGT embodies the essence of our DNA," explains Hans-Jürgen Abt with pride. Bringing a GT2 race car to the street wasn’t easy - the demands of motorsport and road traffic are worlds apart. Or at least, they were…
"Two highly intensive years passed from the idea to the completion," says ABT Sportsline Managing Director Thomas Biermaier, who, together with Ernst Christian Scherer, Managing Director of Scherer Sport, conceived the idea for the XGT after an exciting and successful race. Biermaier and Scherer had long dreamt of tackling such a project. Now, it got serious: "Our engineers and mechanics faced some tough challenges." With around 40 individual approvals, the months-long homologation process exceeded the scope of classic vehicle development. The trick: visually, the street version differs only marginally from the Audi R8 LMS GT2 race car. The XGT is not a supercar with a racing look; it is a race car with street approval. Now, 99 rolling chassis await handcrafting into unique pieces according to customer wishes.
The long road to the street
Anyone who has always dreamed of sitting behind the wheel of a genuine race car will get their money's worth with the ABT XGT. And that's meant literally, as the XGT is driven with the steering wheel specially made for the racing version. Technical adjustments in areas like thermal management, software, and the highly complex vehicle diagnostic system were carefully implemented to maintain the car's racing character. For everyday usability, the fuel system from the production series was integrated, the instrument cluster was modified for civilian use, and additions such as a handbrake, central locking, a rearview camera, and an immobilizer were included.
The control panel was adapted for road use and manages the electric adjustment of the exterior mirrors, the air conditioning, and the indicators. The special exhaust system, including after-treatment components, had to meet the emissions standards of the KBA (German Federal Motor Transport Authority). Naturally, safety was also a priority: a complete XGT vehicle underwent demanding side and front crash tests, and all KBA requirements regarding brakes and noise were met through extensive testing.
Pure racing experience without compromise
In addition to extensive road tests, another key objective in developing the ABT XGT was: as much racetrack feeling as possible. To achieve this, the XGT completed thousands of kilometers on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Sachsenring, and the Hockenheimring to find the perfect setup. Development drivers included DTM driver Kelvin van der Linde, DTM driver and Scherer brand ambassador Ricardo Feller - both racing for ABT in 2024 - alongside ABT Motorsport Director Martin Tomczyk and racing driver and Scherer brand ambassador Frank Stippler. Their unsurprising conclusion: "The road handling, steering behavior, and acceleration are incomparable to any road vehicle." Ambitious drivers have the opportunity to find their perfect setup for any race track thanks to the adjustable suspension with modified springs.
Scherer Sport exclusively handles the sales and service for the XGT. This collaboration is based on a long-standing partnership and shared passion for motorsport, making it only natural to bring this unique project to the streets together. Customers can choose from four different color schemes, with individual solutions and variants possible thanks to handcrafted production. The price for the ABT XGT starts at 598,000 euros, including VAT.
Technical data
Engine: 5.2 l V10 FSI 470 kW/640 hp*
Fuel: Minimum ROZ98
Transmission/Drive: 7-speed S-tronic, rear-wheel drive
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
Wheels: ABT forged wheels with central locking, front: 11.0 x 19 ET25 / rear: 11.5 x 20 ET20
Weight: 1,400 kg DIN
Fuel Tank Capacity: 83 liters
Top Speed: 310 km/h (depending on rear wing setting)
Combined Fuel Consumption: 20.7 l/100 km
Combined CO2 Emissions: 473 g/km (WLTP)
*The engine performance data meets the requirements of EWG/80/1269. The procedure and test stand manufacturer are verified and approved by the vehicle manufacturer. More details can be found here.
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