The Audi R8C (C for coupé) was a GTP category car designed to compete in the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours. The GTP category derived from the GT1, wanted by ACO to include all those cars that were no longer allowed by the FIA. When Audi announced the endurance program in 1998, the designated car was the LMP-class R8R Spyder, but given the level of performance allowed by the GTP regulations, it was decided to create a coupé version of the R8, called the R8C. RTN (Racing Technology Norfolk) took care of the design and construction of the R8C. The chief designer was Peter Elleray, assisted by Tony Southgate as a consultant. After Le Mans 1999, however, Audi decided to focus exclusively on the LMPs, abandoning the R8C project.