ABT XGT: The R8 Audi Didn’t Have The Guts To Make!

This collection of wings and carbonfibre might be the purest expression of a ‘race car for the road’ since the McLaren F1 LM.

Why? Because it’s not a road car that does a decent job on a circuit, like an Aston Martin Valkyrie. Nor is it a road car turned track car, a la the Ferrari FXX-K. Instead, this is a proper race car with number plates. And it’s no one-off either, as ABT plan to build 99. At over £600k a pop…

It is an ABT too, because the work done to legalise this R8 LMS GT2 is so extensive that it no longer wears an Audi VIN plate – ABT is certified as the manufacturer. Rightly so, because to jump through the strict hoops demanded for German TÜV certification took Abt two years. We’re not just talking indicators and number plates either – they’ve had to crash test one of these. Twice.

Is it still a race car? Is it now any good on the road? TG’s Head of Car Testing, Ollie Marriage, is your guide…

WATCH MORE TOP GEAR:

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:41 Walkaround
03:33 About Abt
04:57 Drive: on road
06:24 Drive: on track
09:25 Conclusion

MORE ABOUT TOP GEAR:

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[daniel_abt]

Great video. Thanks for joining us on Mallorca 🤞🏻

[JattforceX]

I still remember when i saw (Rdj)tony stark driving an R8 in Iron Man, fell in love with the car then and there...

[coreyk]

This monster looks and sounds amazing! You wouldn’t need coffee in your coffee run

[SinnerAndSaint]

Proud to see that beast manufactured just 15 minutes away from where I live! Great job ABT, congrats on the global recognition!

[tomholroyd]

3:43 The UI! Why can't all cabins have a simple, easy to use interface?

[timothyherlihy]

6:03 the wing is moving around like its attached to a bird! Haha

[roycerammadhan]

I love a reviewer who can drive. This guy submerges me into the experience which is really lovely. He pretty much feels the car as he drives it, unlike other reviews, where we are treated to just the exteriors of a marque in a parking lot. Much Love to You Guys...

[afrodezy]

The best Audi of recent years. Good job ABT.

[NZ_ADL]

There’s alot of people saying they don’t understand this car or it’s pointless, but there’s a very good and simple reason why this car exists and people would buy it……..it’s just because you can, simple as that. One could ask why, I would reply “why not”

[allensaunders]

This is the type of vid I enjoy from top gear

[eddiefumar]

The most amazing thing it is registered in Germany. Crazy considering TÜV regulations.

[carzyI]

Maybe audi didn't want to start taking lamborghini sales with that machine

[entertainingandfun]

The proportions remind me of the old 90s Quattro IMSA GTO’s. Love this so much

[urbanstrencan]

To bad R8 is gone, for me the best sports car ever❤❤❤. And ABT really knows their stuff

[triplew_]

R8 XGT is very underrated, cuz they're not sale ofc but ABT does it, they don't want this masterpiece to destroy the Lamborghini Huracan market and become their competition, that's why, and ABT is the biggest fan of the audi R8 series and also i love ABT is taking this opportunity to keep the Audi R8 alive on the road with a car that can compete with the Huracan STO and 911 GT3 RS. We need XGT, STO, and GT3 RS in drag races and lap records. that will be insane!

[HGX]

This is what the Huracan STO thinks it is. This is on a another level.

[ryanmattson]

If walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, it's not it's a pigeon

[BOOSTEDDUDE]

That's a proper track weapon. Those fins on top of the front wheel arches look pretty cool and also probably provide cooling. Sonic Hedgehog style

[elvis]

It's absolutely mad, just ridiculous. No one needs something like this. I WANT it SO bad!

[winstonreid]

2:12 just point at it bro lol stomping on mans aero