Audi Sport customer racing Asia has announced the new Audi R8 LMS GT4 will join the Audi R8 LMS Cup beginning in the 2018 season, swelling the ranks of the world’s premier GT3 brand series.

Having firmly established itself at the pinnacle of Asian motorsport over the last six years, the Cup will remain true to its heritage as the world’s only full-spec GT3 brand cup, while expanding its role as the ideal entry point to top-level international sportscar racing with the addition of the new GT4 category.

“In the Audi R8 LMS Cup we have established the premier GT3 brand championship which stands at the highest level of international sportscar racing,” said Martin Kuehl, director, Audi Sport customer racing Asia.

“The Audi R8 LMS GT3 will remain at the forefront of the Cup’s development, while the new GT4 category both strengthens and broadens the appeal of the series.”

The addition of the new GT4 class within the flagship Audi R8 LMS Cup is part of a renewed focus on privateers.

Stable and equitable regulations with near-identical race cars in each category will ensure drivers have a reliable, benchmark against which to measure their development, and enjoy the prestige of competing in a respected international GT3 championship.

Professional logistics, bespoke racing services and exclusive hospitality provide a premium motorsport experience. More details about the 2018 season will be announced soon.

The Audi R8 LMS GT4 offers privateers and motorsport newcomers a dynamic, customer-friendly, cost-effective and safe racing car, while the category will have its own separate points-scoring championship within the Cup.

Alongside the Audi R8 LMS GT3 and the Audi RS 3 LMS, the Audi R8 LMS GT4 is the third race car from Audi Sport customer racing. The vehicle represents the marque’s first foray into the fast-growing GT4 segment.

Derived directly from the road-going Audi R8 Coupe V10, of which it shares more than 60 percent of its parts, the Audi R8 LMS GT4 is powerful, offers a high level of safety, yet remains economical in terms of purchase and ownership cost.

Rear-wheel drive with a seven-speed double-clutch transmission and equipped with the same Audi Space Frame and 5.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V10 engine as the Audi R8 LMS GT3, a maximum output of 495 horsepower makes the Audi R8 LMS GT4 a veritable powerhouse.

Orders for the Audi R8 LMS GT4 have commenced with Audi Sport customer racing Asia. Deliveries to Asia will be made in time for the start of the 2018 Audi R8 LMS Cup season.