Audi R8 Back in Racing

The name Audi R8 was born on the race track, so it was only a matter of time to see it back in an endurance race. Yes, in 24 hours, but not in Le Mans, where the R8 conquered between 2000-2005.

Now, in 2008, a specially prepared Audi R8 supercar will make an appearance in 24 Hours of Dubai. The Dutch tuning specialist Creventic BV is preparing the CR-8 for an assault on endurance sportscar racing. Nevertheless, there are not many changes on the supercar. Creventic CR-8 is powered by the standard 4.2 liter V8 engine with remapped engine management system giving ten horses more than the production car with 420 hp. Creventic removed the factory-installed low-gear restrictor, as well as a host of baubles and bolt-ons to the body to bring it up to race spec. 18-inch BBS competition rims wrapped in Toyo racing slicks are put in place, a 90-liter racing fuel tank installed and AST suspension components mounted at all four corners.

Creventic has put a race-spec sequential gearbox and also carbon fiber body panels, trying to get more speed. The diet of the Dutch specialist proves to make some 300 kg less to now 1350 kg chassis.

24 Hours of Dubai in 2007 was won by BMW Z4 M. The first pair of CR-8s will be shown next month at the Dubai Autodrome in the United Arab Emirates for a race-track shakedown and public unveiling with the first customer cars to be delivered shortly thereafter.