The first example of Audi’s track-only R8 LMS with chassis number ’101′ has been delivered to first lucky owner in Italy.

Overall, twelve units of the 500hp+GT3 sports car will be delivered during the forthcoming weeks to six customer teams that plan to race in five European GT3 championships as well as in the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring for which Audi Sport has developed an endurance version of the R8 LMS.

The R8 racer uses a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing over 500-horsepower and more than 500Nm of torque.

Since the GT3 regulations forbid the use of a four-wheel drive system, Audi’s race-spec sportscar comes with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain. According to Audi, a fully homologated R8 LMS costs €262,000 plus VAT.