Audi has added a fourth model to its growing R8 line-up, in the form of the limited-edition 2011 Audi R8 GT. Based on the 5.2 FSI V10 model, the R8 GT is both lighter and meaner than its ‘regular’ siblings.

Thanks to its alumininium spaceframe, the R8 was already close to being the lightest it could be. Nonetheless, Audi has managed to cut a further 100 kg from the supercar’s usual 1 625 kg kerb weight by swapping a number of aluminium panels for carbon fibre versions. There is also a thinner windscreen, and a polycarbonate rear window.

If slicing the equivalent of a human passenger from its mass isn’t enough, Audi has eked a further 27 kW of power from the big V10, making for a total of 418 kW – topping its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The boost in power comes courtesy of tweaks to the engine electronics, leading also to a small boost in torque – up 10 N.m to 540 N.m at 6 500 r/mon. The limited-edition R8 GT is claimed to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and on to 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. The top speed has increased slightly to 320 km/h, versus 316km/h for the ‘standard’ R8 V10. For transmissions, the R8 GT is available only with the hydraulically-actuated R-tronic sequential ‘manual’ transmission, which Audi claims can change gears a within a tenth of a second at high load.

Only 333 examples of the R8 GT will be built and the price in Germany is €193 000. No word from Audi SA on when or how many will be landing on our shores.