Re: audi r8 - more details, plus new a8 model

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/5/98 dave.eaton@minedu.govt.nz writes:

<< confirmation that this is the 3rd prototype developed by audi.  there have
been a gt1, an open gt1 roadster and the current car.  the decision to
concentrate on the open-top racer was made in march.  the major issue has been
aerodynamics, of course.  ullrich says that it is hard to get a successful
aerodynamic solution "which looks like a audi road car".  the car will run in
silver apparently.  it is planned to use michelin tyres. >>

Interesting news (as always) Dave, thank you! The three types of chassis makes
sense because obviously Audi wanted to cover all bases WRT potential rules
changes. Next season, the FIA GT series is going to integrate GT1 with what we
know in the US as the WSC (World Sports Car) category (open top cars like the
333SP, Williams-BMW, R&S, etc.). They will run these cars separate from the
GT2 cars which will have their own race. I believe Audi intends to run in the
US Petite Le Mans series beginning in 2000 if it comes to fruition (let's hope
that Don Panoz has his way towards sports car series unification here in the
US). I don't know what their (or anyone else's) plans for the FIA GT series
are...it looked to be a series in demise at it's season finale I am sorry to
say.

The season finale for the US Professional Sports Car series at Laguna Seca was
a very exciting race. In the wet, the Panoz GT1 cars were the class of the
field, but as the track dried, the Williams-BMW was the fastest and race
winner. Audi needs to get this thing developed and over here soon IMO. I doubt
we (US race and Audi fans) will see it before the tail end of the season
unless by some chance they decide to do Sebring or Daytona as a Le Mans tune-
up.

In any case it looks like Audi motorsports fans have something to look
forwards to! All the right parts seem to be coming together.

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq