BETTER PARTSAudi wants to be number one with new car at Le Mans again
Ingolstadt, December 1, 2015
With the hybrid racing car R18 e-tron quattro Audi won in the years 2012 to 2014, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the 2015 season, however, Audi had to leave the Porsche 919 hybrid overall victory. In the upcoming season, the Ingolstadt want to be with an improved version of their cars again number one.
" Audi's strongest and most economical racing cars "
Audi says the new R18 from the most powerful and fuel-efficient racing car in its history. He has improved aerodynamics, more lightweight and a revised diesel hybrid powertrain. So the car has now lithium-ion batteries, and the TDI engine is "Efficiency optimized ", ie was more economical. The car last season combined a 4.0 TDI, the drive the rear axle with almost 600 hp, with a 270 hp ( 200 kW ) electric motor at the front axle to a hybrid system. He weighed only 870 kilograms.
Only two instead of three cars in Le Mans
Despite the exhaust scandal within the VW Group Audi deliberately again a diesel one: "With our new Audi R18, we are sending a clear signal: Audi 's motorsport further gas ?? in Le Mans deliberately with the TDI, the most successful automobile efficiency technology the world, "says head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. But in terms of the austerity program of CEO Matthias Müller puts Audi ?? just like its sister company Porsche ?? only two instead of three cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC 2016. This also applies to the WEC - climax, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Continuity in the DTM
In the DTM Audi is relying on continuity: All eight drivers who were here in 2015 and provided for a total of ten Audi victories in 18 races, to stay on board. The only change: Adrien Tambay and Nico Müller swap their teams. The use of eight Audi RS 5 DTM take over unchanged the long-standing Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. In GT racing, the development of the new Audi R8 LMS is completed, delivery to the customer teams has already started. The Audi TT Sport Cup place after its premiere season again held within the framework of selected DTM events. The number of permanent initiator is increased from 18 to 20.
Proud of strong motorsport commitment
" We are proud to the Audi brand also in 2016 represented with such an extensive commitment to motorsports ," said Ullrich. " The new Audi R18 is a big step from which we expect at Le Mans and in the WEC a lot. In the DTM we had already in 2015 the strongest car. We want to build. And the great demand for the new Audi R8 LMS is just as enjoyable as the many young talents, interested in the Audi TT Sport Cup. " ( sl )