Audi R18 : Audi’s prototype race-car is launched

Audi launches it R18 coupe to participate in the 24-hours Le Mans race. The prototype of the car was first displayed in Ingolstadt Germany at the Audi Sportspark. The diesel sports car now has its cockpit closed and has a 3.7l v6 TDI engine. The closed-coupe is expected to pose high-levels of aerodynamic efficiency which is crucial for success on the race-track.

The Audi R18 will be on the race track of Le Man at the end of April after which it will perform its racing debut in Spa-Francorchamps, home to F1 and the endurance race. The race car will be tested in a 6-hour test for endurance in Spa-Francorchamps. With its new turbocharged diesel engine, Audi R18 is expected to outperform any petrol car owing to its high torque.

The chassis of the car is a single-component model as is loosely based on the R8C and the 2003 Le Mans winner Bentley LMP1. The wheels of the car however are identical in size which is a first for an Audi sports car. What is radically innovative in the new car are the complete-LED headlights designed and developed by Audi in close coordination with its technical wing, Audi AG. The LEDs group to form the symbol ‘1’ during day-time, representing Audi’s historic race logo. Energy efficiency system are also a work-in-progress for the Audi R18

Audi R18 has been under development since 2009. This time around, there will be 3 Audi R18 race cars at the Le Man’s race. The Audi Sport Team Joest formed for the race will also contest ILMC with 7 races taking place in 3 continents across the globe. With Allan McNish at the wheels, Audi’s R18 completed its first race-track test last month.

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