Audi’s motorsport division first announced plans in August last year to launch a 500hp-plus (373kW) version of the V8-powered R8 for use in the 2009 GT3 racing series. The new car has been designed for private customer teams and fully conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations, which means they will be allowable in numerous national and international competitions.

Today, the company announced that 2009 will serve as a test year for the R8 GT3 but a few cars will still be offered to customer teams in Germany. Prices will start at roughly €250,000 but opt for an Audi-backed support team and prices increase to the €500,000 mark. Already one car has been sold to Audi tuning specialist and DTM race supporter ABT Sportsline, and Audi has also confirmed that three additional cars will be built to compete in Le Mans next year.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of AWD, the Audi R8 GT3 comes with a modified RWD powertrain and a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension is almost completely stock, with most of the modifications focusing on weight reduction and improving the car’s aerodynamics package. The kerb weight is an estimated 1,300kg – 300kg less than the production model – and a modified front end and a large rear-wing have been added to generate the required downforce for the race track.

Expect to see the R8 GT3 make its race debut at the 24-hour Nurburgring endurance race in May.