The last two years have seen the Audi R8 lineup mushroom. First came the 5.2 FSI V10, which temporarily sent 4.2 FSI V8 sales spiraling downhill. Next came the Spyder, which will win any beauty contest and is now available with both engines. This spring we get the R8 GT, which will cost some $84,000 more than an R8 4.2 but, at 3431 pounds, will weigh 152 pounds less than the $157,850 5.2 FSI. Credit lighter carpeting and thinner windshield glass, a polycarbonate rear window and engine display window, carbon fiber for the rear hatch, side blades and rear bumper, a slimmer battery and smaller door mirrors. And yet, the R8 GT is still heavier than its similarly priced corporate cousin and close rival, the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. In Europe, the R8 GT shaves another 69 pounds clue to new manual seats, but they likely won’t satisfy U.S federal crash regulations.

In addition to reduced weight, the GT boasts a more powerful 560 hp engine, up 35 hp from the 5.2 FSI. Maximum torque, which requires a stratospheric 6500 rpm, increases to 398 lb-ft from 391. The quickest R8 accelerates in a factory measured 3.6 seconds from 0 to 62 mph, in 10.8 seconds to 124 mph and on to a top speed of 199 mph. The GT’s additional splitters, lips and full width wing help add downforce. Other visual giveaways include a pair of large round tailpipes, red brake calipers, and special wheels shod with nineteen inch tires. Our test vehicle ran on 235/35 footwear in the front and optional 305/30 rubber in the back. Also unique to this version are black on white instruments, a carbon and alumunium shifter and synthetic sharkskin and leather trim.

The dash and the doors feature dark carbon fiber surfaces. Only the gear lever shines brightly, the serial number engraved on its cap reads 000/333, in reference to the worldwide total of 333 GTs that will be built, ninety of which are headed to the States. Audi’s latest electronic wizardries, such as Drive Select, the Quattro sport differential and new electromechanical steering are not offered.