But make no mistake; the Le Mans quattro is not a carbon copy of its Italian cousin. Rather than simply re-bodying the Gallardo, Audi has transformed it into a concept technically independent of the Italian. For starters, the wheelbase has been stretched by 100 mm (3.9 in) for a total of 2,650 mm (104.3 in). Marginally longer at 4,370 mm (172.0 in) and standing at 1,250 mm (49 in) tall, the Le Mans is a fair bit larger in all dimensions except width, where it remains at a constant 1,900 mm (74.8 in) wide.
 |
| The Le Mans' lightweight aluminum space frame is clothed in gracefully sculpted aluminum and carbon fiber panels. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Using the same construction methods demonstrated in the production A2, A8 and Gallardo, the Le Mans' structure is a lightweight aluminum space frame. Clothed in gracefully sculpted aluminum and carbon fiber panels, Audi has successfully managed to keep the car's weight well within reason. At 1,530 kilos (3,373 lbs), the car is only ten kilograms (22 lbs) heavier than the Gallardo despite offering completely different mechanicals.
 |
| The Le Mans' impressive centrally mounted 5-liter ten-cylinder engine boasts 610-hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The differences are on display for all to see through the Le Mans' rear glass rear decklid. A centrally mounted five-liter, ten-cylinder engine incorporates basic architecture that is more or less the same as that in the Gallardo, but that's where the similarity ends. Audi's engineers have redesigned the powerplant to accept two light pressure turbochargers. But the quest for power simply hasn't stopped here, FSI has also been added. The Le Mans and championship dominating formula featured on both the R8R Le Mans and ALMS-winning race car, and on the new A3 and A4, is Audi's version of direct injection. FSI's benefits are numerous and valuable, increasing power and torque while reducing consumption. The original 500 horsepower rating has risen to 610, while torque has skyrocketed to 553 lb-ft available from just 1,750 rpm pulling all the way through to 5,800 rpm. No doubt, breathtaking.