Audi has kept the name R18 e-Tron Quattro for its new endurance racing car, but has fitted it with a completely new technology to comply with new LMP1 regulations that come into effect in 2014. “The most complex race car ever built by Audi”, as the company describes it, can achieve similarly fast laps as in the past, but with 30 percent less fuel.
“A fundamental approach to motorsport is being abandoned. Instead of power output, energy consumption will be subject to limitations – this is in line with the spirit of our times and opens up great technical freedoms to the engineers,” says Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport.
Development of the new car began in 2012 and the first unit was built in the early fall of 2013, with track tests following immediately after that. The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro features a similar concept as in the past, but also includes innovative detailed solutions and an additional hybrid system.
At the center of the car sits a further developed V6 TDI diesel engine powering the rear wheels, supplemented by two hybrid systems. The engine includes an electric turbocharger (ERS-H – Energy Recovery System Heat), a system that stores energy converted from heat. The second hybrid system powers the front axle and features ERS-K (Energy Recovery System Kinetic), which stores kinetic energy. The R18 e-tron quattro also features an optimized flywheel energy storage system.
The car may look similar to last year’s R18, but Audi says it’s 100mm (3.94in) narrower, 20mm (0.79in) higher and features a larger cockpit. All these modifications and others make the car produce less downforce.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
