Audi R18 Le Mans prototype unveiled

Duke

Duke

Duke

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Right on schedule, Audi has pulled the sheets off its next-generation Le Mans prototype. As had been rumored before the unveil, the R18 has abandoned the open-top design of its forefathers – the R8, R10 and R15 Plus – for a closed canopy to improve aerodynamics and reduce driver fatigue. The company hasn't worked with a clamshell since 1999, and we're guessing is has more than a little to do with Peugeot's 2009 Le Mans win. That victory is the only wrinkle in the Audi's domination of the world's most difficult motorsports race, and it's no small coincidence that work on the R18 began in mid 2009.

The R18 gets its grunt from a 3.7-liter TDI V6 engine, and while Audi isn't saying exactly how much horsepower or torque the oil-burner produces, we have to guess that the figures are nothing to sneeze at. Behind the engine is a new six-speed transmission, though the innovations aren't simply chained to the drivetrain. Audi used a single-piece construction carbon fiber monocoque to keep weight down and increase stiffness, and those epic all-LED headlights are the first make their way to Le Mans.

While Audi is planning to campaign a total of three R18 racers at the 2011 Le Mans race this summer, the vehicle's first appearance will be at the six hours of Spa on April 24. Click past the jump to see the full press release.
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More pics - http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/


How epic does that look? :cool:
 
looks like they took a batmobile and stuck 2 giant fog lights on it

maybe they put a michellin man in the sky when turned on
 
Memphis said:
If it wins, it won't matter how it looks.
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And with the current regulations bias towards Diesel still, it likely will.

Interesting that Audi have decided to drop the open top they have been with for years in favor of a coupe, while Aston Martin have decided to drop the coupe in favor of an open top at the same time?!? I thought coupe were the worse choice as they had to run air con by regulation, but were getting the same air restrictor and power regulations as open tops?
 
NightSt@lk3r said:
Looks like it fell from the same ugly tree as the Ferrari 458 GT2 TBH, the Peugeot 90X will rip it a new one in looks and on the track :p
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The 90X also has the incredibly ugly rear fin, it is a requirement of the rules to prevent cars from lifting when spinning.

Skeeter said:
And with the current regulations bias towards Diesel still, it likely will.

Interesting that Audi have decided to drop the open top they have been with for years in favor of a coupe, while Aston Martin have decided to drop the coupe in favor of an open top at the same time?!? I thought coupe were the worse choice as they had to run air con by regulation, but were getting the same air restrictor and power regulations as open tops?
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The closed top cars are allowed more power to compensate for the aircon. The interior temperature is monitored to make sure it isn't being switched off to allow that power to be used for acceleration. The coupes also have better aero so greater top speed which is quite useful at Le Mans.
 
Alibaba99 said:
The closed top cars are allowed more power to compensate for the aircon. The interior temperature is monitored to make sure it isn't being switched off to allow that power to be used for acceleration. The coupes also have better aero so greater top speed which is quite useful at Le Mans.
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Not any more, since last year they've had the same size restrictors as the open cars.
 
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