The Germans from Audi will compete in the 2012 Daytona 24 Hours, but before actually throwing the R8 GRAND-AM into the race, it was only natural for them to test and fine-tune the car first. And what better place to do that other than the actual track on which the race will be held, the Daytona race track in Florida.
Based on the R8 LMS the car has been developed for the Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and after it completed around 1000 test kilometers, the main aspects that needed to be improved were in terms of aerodynamics due to the GRAND-AM regulations.
That is why the car received a new front splitter, a flat design underbody, a new rear diffuser and higher ground clearance (65 mm).
Furthermore, systems like ABS and traction control have been deactivated and due to the usage of new tires, supplied by Continental, the Audi R8 GRAND-AM is also featuring a new suspension set-up.
Audi will field two R8 GRAND-AM racers at Daytona next year, and one of the customer teams which has been confirmed for the 2012 season is APR Motorsport from Opelika, US. The company is also in advanced talks with three other trams and a total of 4 cars could be delivered for the 2012 season.
