The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Special Projects - Audi Releases R18 Quattro For LeMans


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Munich, Mar. 3, 2012: Audi is back with the quattro, only this time the auto maker has got along a prototype that boasts of the e-tron technology and is the first LMP1 car that is powered by a hybrid power train, supported by a diesel engine with all-wheel drive. Audi is calling its newest Le Mans prototype racer, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that is slated to make its race debut on May 6 in the 6-hour qualifier at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

“Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it’s introduced to the Audi production line.” Ullrich further added.

The operating principle of the R18 e-tron quattro starts with a kinetic energy recovery braking system on the front axle, which sends electricity into a flywheel accumulator before being sent back down to the electric motors on the front wheels. Energy from the accumulator can only be retrieved under acceleration above 120 km/h (74 mph).

The R18 e-tron features Kinetic Energy Recovery System that recovers the energy on the front axle during braking. This energy is retrieved during acceleration above 120k mph at the flywheel accumulator and delivered to the front axle. Meanwhile, a V6 TDI power plant producing over 510 hp continues transmit power to the rear wheels. It is similar to KERS in Porsche 911 GT3 Hybrid, which uses petrol in support of electricity on the rear and cannot work on sole electricity.

Audi is preparing two different versions of the R18 race car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and this year's newly christened World Endurance Championships. Both have evolved from last year's Le Mans-winning R18 and will be virtually identical except for drive trains.