On November 28th of this year, Audi revealed the newest vehicle to hit the sports market. The R18 will be operational and ready to race in 2016.
The company is hoping to change the world of racing on the front and they just may with this turbo-diesel-hybrid. The R18 will be competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours along with a combined effort from Porsche.
This lightweight version of diesel electric race car has a 4.0 liter engine and has been redesigned for a more aerodynamic structure. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport said, “With our new Audi R18, we’re setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsports, deliberately relying on TDI – the world’s most successful automotive efficiency technology.”
The aerodynamics on this LMP1 prototype can really be seen in the front wheel arches. The large intakes reduce drag while also introducing a brand new headlamp design. The traditional Matrix LED technology combined with Audi laser light. Audi claims that the R18 will be the most powerful and efficient race car ever built. Audi revealed its first R18 in 2011 went on to win the 24 hours of Le Mans 4 times before finally being beaten by Porsche 919 hybrid.
Audi will reveal more about the R18 and its details as the racing season approaches. The company will make a couple driver changes, Adrien Tambay being swapped with Nico Muller, to ensure that the younger drivers get experience. Other than that, all eight drivers will still be competing. The company announced that it has been working on the development of a new R8 LMS and the beginning production of 45 vehicles to be delivered to race customers is planned.
Audi was not a great name until the 1980’s when we were introduced to the Quattro. After the 1990’s, Ingolstadt tackled prototype racers and the series of vehicles that followed dominated the competition. This new vehicle is the most important hybrid vehicle that Audi has developed. It features a modified system and lithium-ion batteries and is designed to win the race.
