Audi seems to have finally realised that some R8 owners might be after a more hardcore approach to their motoring, with these pictures being proof that they are testing a harder, faster Porsche GT3-esque model. Based on the R8 V10, this new model looks to sport a fixed rear wing, new front and rear bumpers, [...]

Audi seems to have finally realised that some R8 owners might be after a more hardcore approach to their motoring, with these pictures being proof that they are testing a harder, faster Porsche GT3-esque model.

Based on the R8 V10, this new model looks to sport a fixed rear wing, new front and rear bumpers, firmer suspension, and rumour has it the 5.2 litre V10 may be getting a few more ponies as well.

Combine this with a likely weight-saving regime and it looks like this R8 will certainly be stepping on the toes of its Sant’Agata cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Audi are keep to capitalise on the racing success of the R8 GT3, which won last year’s FIA European GT Championship. The interesting point being that the R8 GT3 is RWD, so chances are the hardcore R8 might lose its front driveshafts…