Audi R8 SHDZ

Information

The Audi R8 SHDZ was intended to be a road-legal race car, powered by a completely newly developed high-revving V8 engine. The performance target of 515 kW (700 PS) at 10,500 rpm required the development of an entirely new powerplant. Key design parameters were based on components from the Ducati 1196R.
The planned 90-degree V8 engine featured an extremely short-stroke layout with a large cylinder bore and four desmodromic valves per cylinder, actuated by two variable, overhead camshafts. A gear cascade at the rear of the engine drove the camshafts, while a continuous PTO shaft powered the ancillary units mounted at the front. Dry-sump lubrication, variable intake manifolds, and a bespoke firing order developed by Audi Sport were additional hallmarks of this high-performance unit. In addition to adapting various technical components - including the air filters, cooling system, exhaust manifold-catalytic converter modules, and the entire exhaust system - the Dynamite Red bodywork incorporated carbon fibre and aluminium parts, along with revised spoilers, front splitter elements, and diffusers. The chassis featured a modified final drive ratio and lightweight magnesium wheels optimised for weight savings. The front wheels weighed just 6.5 kg, while the 20-inch rear wheels ranged between 7.7 and 7.9 kg, depending on the wheel design.