Could this be the ultimate R8? When our spy photographer spotted this Audi supercar filling up at a petrol station just outside the Nürburgring test track, he initially didn’t think much of it.

But then, closer inspection revealed some remarkable details which indicate it might be a new RS model – to sit above the mighty 552bhp 5.2-litre V10-engined R8 GT.

This mystery prototype – which could be badged GT RS – wears a host of motorsport-sourced parts which point to an even faster, more powerful and more driver-focused machine.

Take a close look at the images and you’ll see that as well as the Audi motorsport-style stripes and an all-new ground-hugging front splitter and side skirts, the prototype gets a plastic engine cover and huge side air intakes lifted directly from the R8 LMS racing car.

But perhaps the most intriguing modification is the way the exhausts exit just below tail-lamp height in the centre of the rear bumper – leaving gaping holes where the standard pipes would be. This is an arrangement which comes straight from the race track. Huge brakes complete the exterior package.

Inside, the motorsport theme continues with a stripped-out cabin that boasts little more than a pair of Recaro racing seats to keep the driver and passenger firmly in place at high speed.

In fact, about the only details the car is missing are a roll cage and a large downforce-generating rear wing. Audi is remaining tight- lipped on the project for now, but there’s no doubt an even more driver-focused R8 would appeal to buyers following the successful reception received by the R8 GT.

With even more power (perhaps up to 600bhp), less weight and potentially rear-wheel drive only – the GT retains rear-biased four-wheel drive – this would effectively be a highly exclusive roadgoing racing car, similar to Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS.



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