Audi has launched Friday its brand new LMP1 endurance car that will attempt to extend its string of victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours as well in other endurance series.
Since its debut in 1999, Audi has won Le Mans on nine occasions with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI models. Witht R18, Audi is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011.
Audi will contest Le Mans with a closed coupe. "In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past," says Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
"A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests."
Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power.
By opting for a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006.
Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18, which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine.
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| Photo: Audi |
Since its debut in 1999, Audi has won Le Mans on nine occasions with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI models. Witht R18, Audi is aiming for its tenth Le Mans success in 2011.
Audi will contest Le Mans with a closed coupe. "In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past," says Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
"A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests."
 |
| Photo: Audi |
Significantly smaller engines than those used before will be prescribed at Le Mans in 2011 as the rule makers aim to achieve a substantial reduction of engine power.
By opting for a 3.7-liter V6 TDI unit, Audi retains the diesel concept that saw its first victorious fielding in 2006.
Another new development is the six-speed transmission in the R18, which has been specifically modified for use with the smaller engine.
 |
| Photo: Audi |