2016 Audi R8 LMS now available for order

Audi claims that about half the parts in the track-only R8 LMS are shared with the road-going R8. The LMS is compliant with the FIA's latest GT3 race specs, which start taking effect next year and will be in force until at least 2018.

The R8 LMS is powered by a 5.2-litre dry sump V10 engine that, if the racing regulations allow, can deliver a maximum of 430kW of power and over 550Nm of torque.

With a body of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic draped over a reinforced aluminium space frame, the LMS weighs 1225 kilograms, whereas the road legal R8 can tip the scales at just shy of 1.6 tonnes.

Steel disc brakes are fitted at both the front and rear, and the R8 LMS rides on 18-inch alloy wheels all around.

While the road-going vehicle has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, the R8 LMS utilises a six-speed sequential gearbox and is rear-wheel drive.

According to Shaun Cleary, senior product communications executive at Audi Australia, the new R8 LMS has an approximate local price of $675,000 landed and prepped.

The first R8 LMS race cars will arrive down under before the year is out. Audi is planning to build 45 GT3-compliant race cars for the 2016 season.