Audi R8 GT

These days, it's seemingly a requirement for any supercar worth its Y-rated rubber to have a limited-edition evil twin. Names like Scuderia, Superleggera, GT3 RS, and ACR-X are all testament to the current demand for no-nonsense road monsters, sacrificing comfort and practicality for purpose and sheer speed. Audi's R8 was billed as an everyday supercar when it was released, and the addition of a V-10 in the latest example hasn't done anything to change that impression. But such a reputation is a double-edged sword, with some dismissing the mid-engined Audi as too soft, or without soul.

Fewer people will be saying that about the Audi R8 GT, but mind you, this is still no anorexic skin-and-Kate Moss. Consider that Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system is retained, as is the stereo and climate control system. There are no Spartan nylon door pulls or bare aluminum floor panels to be found, and the R8 GT retains the majority of its sound insulation. For the most part, the R8 GT's diet consists of lighter materials -- no easy task when the standard car already boasts an aluminum space frame and magnesium chassis.

Still, engineers set to work using thinner glass for the windscreen and polycarbonate for the rear window and engine cover, saving 20 pounds. The R8 GT's sheetmetal is of a lighter gauge and cutouts were made to the aluminum luggage hatch, while the rear hatch was remolded in carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, along with the car's trademark sideblades and rear bumper -- another 35 pounds lost. Weight was also removed from the power brake system, battery, air intake module, engine compartment insulation, and exhaust system. Inside, glass-reinforced plastic helps lighten the seats (69 pounds saved), while the carpet is slightly thinner and lighter for an additional 17 pounds gone. Combined with other weight-saving measures, a hair over 220 pounds was shaved off the R8 V10, bringing total curb weight down to 3362 pounds.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/exotic/1005_2011_audi_r8_gt_look/index.html#ixzz1QeQ2IdLm