Audi Sport today revealed its contender for the 2016 World Endurance Championship, the new Audi R18. As with most of Audi’s LMP competitors over the years, efficiency is the key. The new R18’s V6 diesel engine and battery-based hybrid system generates over 1,000 horsepower when fully deployed, but uses 10% less fuel than its predecessor.
Audi spent most of the 2015 season trailing the two Porsches, especially in the second half of the season, and so have made the step up to the 6 megajoule LMP1 category. As a result, this season’s R18 can recover 50% more energy than the 2015 model.
The R18 also has a brand-new aero package, while chassis components have been reworked from the ground up in an attempt to maximise efficiency. Also new is the hybrid system, with Audi switching from a flywheel system to a battery-based concept for 2016.
Audi will compete in the World Endurance Championship with two full-season entries, with the #7 car driven by three-time Le Mans winners Marcel Fässler, Benoit Tréyuler and Andre Lotterer and the #8 machine driven by Lucas Di Grassi, Oliver Jarvis and Loic Duval. The R18’s official debut will come at the WEC’s Prologue at Circuit Paul Ricard this Thursday and Friday.
Source: Audi Sport
Image source: Audi Sport