Audi Prices R8 GT at $196,800

The R8 has served as a powerful symbol of Audi’s ascendance. While Audi has been highly successful with its mainstream models such as the A4, A6 and Q5 crossover, the brand has also worked to burnish its performance credentials at the same time.

This emphasis has resulted in performance variants like the RS5 and TT-RS coming to the United States, as well as the R8 GT.

Many questioned how far the Volkswagen Group would let the R8 go upmarket for fear of stepping on the Gallardo’s toes. With the R8 GT, the answer is pretty far. Audi has now released pricing on the most expensive Audi of them all. Be prepared to fork out a nice chunk of cash – the R8 GT checks in just under the $200,000 mark at $196,800.

Just 90 R8 GT models are destined for the U.S, out of a total run of 333 units. The car has substantial performance upgrades as part of the GT badge. The R8 GT uses the same 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine as the R8 5.2 Quattro, but in this application is upgraded to produce 560 horsepower, up by 35.

In addition to the increased power output, the R8 GT also sheds weight by way of an extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber.

The rear hatch, spoiler and diffuser of the R8 GT are made from carbon fiber and it results in an overall weight reduction of 180 pounds. The changes are good for a top speed of 199 mph and a dash to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds.