Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Audi V12 TDI engine bay

According to a report by Autocar, all we thought we knew of the in-development Audi supercar we might not actually know. A piece in Car and Driver, not even a month old, said the diesel-hybrid halo car was in the design stages, would get the engine from the R18 E-Tron Quattro and its carbon fiber tub. Now we get word that that while the coupe is indeed being designed, it hasn't yet been signed off and there's no business case for it yet. Said business case, whenever it is built, is also dubious of the diesel aspect of the car at the moment - diesels aren't known for creating Pavlovian purchase responses in buyers in the two key markets of the US and China.

The report suggests that instead of a diesel, the 2014 Le Mans regulations changes "could swing the favour back towards petrol models," which would give the so-called Scorpion a better tie to racing technology. Of course, that also assumes that Audi would contest next year's Le Mans with a gas-powered car. If so, that would be an about-face on the original reasons for the halo sportscar in the first place.

In other news, seems Audi also believes it can slot another sportscar below the R8, it just needs to get the financials sorted. The R4 - a Porsche Boxster-sized roadster - that has been chattered about for years is still in on the table but appears a long way off. Company R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer said it would need to be mid-engined and bring plenty of tech to separate itself from the TT, but mass-market price point is the catch as is the focus on other segments in the portfolio.

The least sexy side of the Audi pool, but apparently the most important, is boiling with plans for new utility vehicles and possibly an MPV. What Car? quotes Durheimer at the Shanghai Motor Show saying "SUV products are a first priority," which would fit into what we've been hearing about the brand's design overhaul, the products in question a Q above the Q7 and another below the Q3. A people mover is also said to be under consideration assuming Audi can create something that hauls six or seven while maintaining brand values.

Audi supercar not yet approved, R4 not quite dead, still room for an MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q2audi q3audi q7audi r18audi r20audi scorpionaudi supercarr20supercarwolfgang durheimerWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/20548291/article-detail.xml 20548291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audiscorpion.jpg <![CDATA[Audi designers create R18 Ultra chair, kick their feet up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/audi-designers-create-r18-ultra-chair-kick-their-feet-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/audi-designers-create-r18-ultra-chair-kick-their-feet-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/audi-designers-create-r18-ultra-chair-kick-their-feet-up/#commentsFiled under: ,



Audi has used its racing program to trickle technology down to its passenger cars, but how about some racing design making its way into your living room? The Audi R18 Ultra Chair will be on display at Design Miami until December 9, and it was developed in a similar fashion as the R18 racecar, including optimal comfort and weight savings, constructed using carbon fiber and aluminum.

The Ultra Chair was first unveiled at the Milan Furniture Fair earlier this year as a prototype, and designers used the input of more than 1,500 people to help fine-tune the level of comfort. We're not sure how comfortable it would be sitting in a carbon fiber chair, but it sure does look cool. From Milan to Miami, the chair dropped 2.2 pounds in weight now weighing in at just under five pounds. Designers Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram are responsible for envisioning the chair, and both have art pieces that can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

As a part of the Ultra Chair, Audi's Design Miami booth will also feature an R18 car, various Ultra Chair prototypes and, for some seemingly random reason, a robot used to build cars.

Scroll down to read more about the chair, Audi's involvement in Design Miami and the designers.

Continue reading Audi designers create R18 Ultra chair, kick their feet up

Audi designers create R18 Ultra chair, kick their feet up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 ultra chairclemens weisshaardesign miamidesign miami 2012Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/06/audi-designers-create-r18-ultra-chair-kick-their-feet-up/20394991/article-detail.xml 20394991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-r18-ultra-chair-exhibi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audi-r18-ultra-chair-exhibi.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Sport scoops up ex-Peugeot driver Marc Gené for reserve role]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/audi-sport-scoops-up-ex-peugeot-driver-marc-gene-for-reserve-rol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/audi-sport-scoops-up-ex-peugeot-driver-marc-gene-for-reserve-rol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/audi-sport-scoops-up-ex-peugeot-driver-marc-gene-for-reserve-rol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Marc GenéWhen a major automaker shuts down its racing program like Peugeot did at Le Mans, it leaves a big gaping hole for everyone involved. The French automaker's departure from endurance racing left the series organizers scrambling for another team to take its place just as it was preparing to inaugurate the new FIA World Endurance Championship. It left Audi - the Diane Sawyer of Le Mans racing, to borrow an analogy from Talladega Nights - without its Katie Couric. And arguably most of all, it left Peugeot's roster of highly skilled drivers without a ride.

Easily among the most talented of these drivers is Marc Gené, the driver who helped Peugeot clinch the checkered flag at La Sarthe in 2009. A longtime factory test driver for Ferrari (and one time grand prix driver for Minardi and Willaims), Gené has a wealth of experience that couldn't very well be left untapped. So it should come as little surprise that Audi has scooped him up.

Although the German automaker already has a full roster of pilots - proven race winners, no less - at its disposal, it has found room for Gené as a reserve driver. In this capacity Gené will be filling in for an uninjured Timo Bernhard to drive the #3 Audi R18 Ultra together with French drivers Romain Dumas and Loïc Duval at Spa-Francorchamps in just a couple of weeks, and will undoubtedly be on hand to jump into the cockpit at Le Mans in June should duty call.

Continue reading Audi Sport scoops up ex-Peugeot driver Marc Gené for reserve role

Audi Sport scoops up ex-Peugeot driver Marc Gené for reserve role originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 ultraaudi sportfia wecfia world endurance championshipgenégenele mansmarc genémarc genepeugeotr18spaspa-francorchampswecworld endurance championshipFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/audi-sport-scoops-up-ex-peugeot-driver-marc-gene-for-reserve-rol/20217935/article-detail.xml 20217935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/marc-gene_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/marc-gene.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R18 e-tron Quattro debuts in motion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-debuts-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-debuts-in-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-debuts-in-motion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R18 e-tron quattro reveal

The top class of endurance racing like what we see at Le Mans tends to follow trends. Open cockpits gave way to closed ones in LMP1 racers, but while diesel engines continue to dominate, we're now entering the age of hybrid prototypes.

Peugeot was said to be working on just such a powertrain for its 908 before suddenly shut down its program. Toyota is still developing its own version for the TS030 Hybrid. And now Audi has announced its title defender, the new R18 e-tron Quattro.

Unveiled yesterday, the R18 e-tron Quattro takes the same form as the conventionally powered R18 Ultra, but with one important difference: its TDI diesel engine is assisted by a regenerative braking system that gives it not only hybrid power but (through-the-road) all-wheel drive. Now we've got our first video clip of the hybrid prototype from its track tests and press conference unveiling, which you can see for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Audi R18 e-tron Quattro debuts in motion

Audi R18 e-tron Quattro debuts in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi lemansaudi r18audi r18 e-tronaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 ultrafia world endurance championshiple mansr18videowecworld endurance championshipFri, 02 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184086/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/02/audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-debuts-in-motion/20184086/article-detail.xml 20184086 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/r18-etron-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/r18-etron-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Audi unleashes hybrid, AWD powertrain on Le Mans with new R18 e-tron Quattro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/audi-unleashes-hybrid-awd-powertrain-on-le-mans-with-new-r18-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/audi-unleashes-hybrid-awd-powertrain-on-le-mans-with-new-r18-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/audi-unleashes-hybrid-awd-powertrain-on-le-mans-with-new-r18-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R18 e-tron Quattro

When we hear names like TFSI and Quattro, we automatically think of Audi. But while these technologies have proliferated across the company's production model range, they weren't initially developed for the road - they were developed for racing. So sit up straight and pay attention to Audi's cutting edge new Le Mans prototype, because it's jam-packed with new technologies that will likely end up in showrooms sooner or later.

Called the R18 e-tron Quattro, the LMP1 you see here doesn't just continue Audi's tradition of turbo diesel propulsion in endurance racing, it supplements it with hybrid propulsion and all-wheel drive. The two are part of the same system, regenerating brake energy (similar to F1's Kinetic Energy Recovery System) into a flywheel that is then fed back into the front wheels under acceleration, while the V6 TDI engine feeds 510 horsepower to the rear wheels for a combined through-the-road all-wheel-drive system. The added weight of the hybrid powertrain is offset by a carbon-fiber gearbox housing, used for the first time in endurance racing.

Audi will be campaigning two examples of the R18 e-tron Quattro at Le Mans in June and before that at Spa in May, alongside two of the R18 Ultras with conventional diesel power. Since both cars were developed together, they use mostly the same components, enabling more efficient race logistics for the team. We'll be watching to see how the tour de force fairs against the newcomers from Toyota with their TS030 Hybrid at Spa, Le Mans and the rest of the FIA World Endurance Championship, but for now you can check out the high-res images in the gallery above and the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi unleashes hybrid, AWD powertrain on Le Mans with new R18 e-tron Quattro

Audi unleashes hybrid, AWD powertrain on Le Mans with new R18 e-tron Quattro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 e-tronaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 hybridaudi r18 quattrofia world endurance championshiple mansr18wecworld endurance championshipWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20183019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/audi-unleashes-hybrid-awd-powertrain-on-le-mans-with-new-r18-e/20183019/article-detail.xml 20183019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/r18etron_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/r18etron.jpg <![CDATA[Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans, 2011

The diesel era at Le Mans may not be over yet, but already we're seeing the emergence of a new propulsion trend: hybrids. Toyota recently announced the TS030 Hybrid LMP1, Peugeot was working on a hybrid version of its 908 prototype before it killed the race program, and now Audi has confirmed a hybrid version of the R18 TDI.

Few details were released, but what we can tell you is that Audi will field four cars at Le Mans this year: two with hybrid assist and two without. One will be headlined by Allan McNish, one by Oliver Jarvis, one by Timo Bernhard and one by André Lotterer, with supplemental drivers to be announced sometime before the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans kicks off in June.

Audi also announced a two-car entry for the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship, with four cars to be run at select racers like Spa and Sebring. Expect more details on the R18 hybrid to be released later this month, but in the meantime you can check out the official announcement after the jump.

Continue reading Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program

Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 hybridaudi r18 tdiaudi sportfia wecfia world endurance championshiple mansr18wecworld endurance championshipSat, 04 Feb 2012 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163328/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/04/audi-confirms-r18-hybrid-as-part-of-2012-endurance-racing-progra/20163328/article-detail.xml 20163328 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Audi R18 testing at Sebring

After dominating Le Mans-class endurance sportscar racing for years now, Audi is left with little to prove. Plus, with sister-company Porsche returning with an LMP1 program of its own, and Bentley reportedly considering the same, rumors have been circulating that the four-ringed automaker could quit while it's ahead. It's something that rivals old (like Peugeot) and new (like Toyota) were undoubtedly rooting for, but no such luck: Audi isn't going anywhere but the finish line.

The German automaker's racing division - which is, incidentally, undergoing a thorough shake-up in preparation for new opposition - has brought its new R18 prototype to these United States for testing at Sebring, saying little more than that it's preparing to challenge the new FIA World Endurance Championship in the new year. But take a close look at the photos the company released along with the statement after the jump and the keenest of eyes may notice that the new R18 has undergone what looks like some significant changes.

Of course, all we can see from the outside is the aero package, but sources suggest there's something more lurking under the skin. The Audi fanatics over at QuattroWorld insist this latest prototype is packing a hybrid powertrain, putting it up against Peugeot's 908 Hybrid4 and Toyota's upcoming hybrid challenger. If that's the case, we can pretty much guarantee that whoever's car will cross the finish line in the upcoming season of endurance racing will be doing so with a bit of battery boost, too.

Continue reading Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power

Audi testing revised R18 at Sebring with possible hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 hybridaudi r18 tdifiafia wecfia world endurance championshiple mansr18r18 hybridsebringwecworld endurance championshipThu, 22 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20131116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/audi-testing-revised-r18-at-sebring-with-possible-hybrid-power/20131116/article-detail.xml 20131116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web2012-r18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web2012-r18.jpg <![CDATA[Audi recaps its thrilling victory at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/audi-recaps-its-thrilling-victory-at-the-2011-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/audi-recaps-its-thrilling-victory-at-the-2011-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/audi-recaps-its-thrilling-victory-at-the-2011-24-hours-of-le-man/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans
Recap of Audi's victory at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 79th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was one of the most exciting in the history of the race, with Audi narrowly beating Peugeot by less than 14 seconds. The win made it 10 victories in 13 years for the Four Rings, and incredible record that is is only bested by Porsche.

Like in previous years, Audi's victory at Le Mans didn't come as a result of a faultless race, but because they were able to handle the hardships given to them by the grueling event. The #2 Audi, which was the fastest car during qualifying, had to hold off four Peugeots for more than half the race after both Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller suffered massive crashes. The three winning drivers set a blistering pace that couldn't be matched by their competitors, and it was André Lotterer who finally took the checkered flag.

If you weren't able to catch the race on television (or even if you did), you can get a great recap of Audi's victory in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Audi recaps its thrilling victory at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans

Audi recaps its thrilling victory at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 24 hours of le mans24 hours of le mansaudiaudi r18audi r18 tdile mansle mans 2011r18r18 tdivideoTue, 12 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19986245/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/12/audi-recaps-its-thrilling-victory-at-the-2011-24-hours-of-le-man/19986245/article-detail.xml 19986245 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-24-lemans-recap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-24-lemans-recap.jpg <![CDATA[Second Audi R18 out of Le Mans as Rockenfeller involved in huge crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/second-audi-r18-out-of-le-mans-as-rockenfeller-involved-in-huge/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/second-audi-r18-out-of-le-mans-as-rockenfeller-involved-in-huge/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/second-audi-r18-out-of-le-mans-as-rockenfeller-involved-in-huge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rockenfeller crash
Mike Rockenfeller crashes his Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans - Click above to watch video after the jump

Audi is down to one R18 TDI in the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans after Mike Rockenfeller was involved in the team's second horrific accident of the race, following the disastrous Allan McNish crash in the race's first hour. As Rockenfeller, driving the #1 car, overtook the #71 Ferrari on the Mulsanne straight, the two cars made contact, sending Rockenfeller into the barrier at full speed, obliterating the Audi in dramatic, terrifying fashion. The shunt was captured by an unmanned camera and Rockenfeller's on-board cam.

Rockenfeller got out of the car on his own power and is apparently okay. He's being checked out at the medical center as a precaution. The safety car is out for what will undoubtedly be another long cleanup. The remaining Audi, the #2 car, is still the race leader. 15 hours to go, people. Follow the jump to see the Rockenfeller crash. The second video is longer, and shows the reaction in the Audi garage.

UPDATE: Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich was just interviewed on EuroSport, and he again confirmed that Rockenfeller left the car on his own, adding that the driver was communicative with staff at the onsite medical center. Rockenfeller is now headed to the hospital for additional precautionary scans. This is basically the same course of events that Allan McNish went through following his crash earlier today.

UPDATE 2: Mike Rockenfeller is okay, but he's being kept at the hospital overnight for observation.

Continue reading Second Audi R18 out of Le Mans as Rockenfeller involved in huge crash

Second Audi R18 out of Le Mans as Rockenfeller involved in huge crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201124 hours of le mansaudiaudi crashaudi r18crashle mansmike rockenfellermulsanne straightr18rockenfeller crashsecond audi crashtdiwreckSat, 11 Jun 2011 17:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/11/second-audi-r18-out-of-le-mans-as-rockenfeller-involved-in-huge/19964594/article-detail.xml 19964594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rockycrashlemans11_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rockycrashlemans11.jpg <![CDATA[Audi qualifies 1-2 at Le Mans with new R18 TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/audi-qualifies-1-2-at-le-mans-with-new-r18-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/audi-qualifies-1-2-at-le-mans-with-new-r18-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/audi-qualifies-1-2-at-le-mans-with-new-r18-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi R18 Qualifying at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans
Audi R18 TDI Qualifying at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past several years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Peugeot has had the fastest car on track - last year the brand took the top four qualifying spots. Audi, which has essentially dominated the last decade at Le Mans, have had to rely on fuel mileage, reliability and pit strategy to make up time.

This year, however, Audi has brought a brand new car to the race, the R18, and it appears that it has finally leveled the playing field. Audi captured the top two spots in qualifying, albeit by a small margin. In fact, the top six cars were separated by only a little more than half a second, with the Peugeots positioned in third, fourth and sixth.

While qualifying position matters very little to the actual outcome of the race, it does indicate the overall capability of each of the cars. Given the close proximity of the lap times, especially given the 8.47-mile length of the circuit, the winner will most likely be whoever can stay out of the pits the most. Typical Le Mans, and potentially very exciting.

You can read more about Audi's qualifying efforts in the PR after the jump, and check back this weekend for more Le Mans coverage.

Continue reading Audi qualifies 1-2 at Le Mans with new R18 TDI

Audi qualifies 1-2 at Le Mans with new R18 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 24 hours of le mans24 hours of le mansaudiaudi r18audi r18 tdile mansr18r18 tdiFri, 10 Jun 2011 19:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/audi-qualifies-1-2-at-le-mans-with-new-r18-tdi/19964285/article-detail.xml 19964285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-r18-lemans-qualifying-2011.jpg <![CDATA[The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pinewood Derby Audi R18
Pinewood Derby Audi R18 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As kids, there were only so many outlets available to satiate our automotive obsession. While we always had grand visions of things like building the ultimate model A/C Cobra or hewing the sleekest Pinewood Derby racer that the sport had ever seen, our projects typically turned out looking more like Revell nightmares and shop class castoffs. We simply lacked the granular motor skills to turn our hopes and dreams into plastic and pine realities. We're guessing that Sam Francis never had that problem.

As a local Cub Scouts leader, Francis has made a reputation for himself by crafting unbelievably intricate Pinewood Derby cars. Last year he worked up a Keaton-era Batmobile to show the kids in his troop exactly what could be done with a little patience and a lot of skill, but this year, he wanted to do something even more special. It just so happened that while Francis was racking his brain for a little inspiration, Audi yanked back the veil on its new R18 Le Mans machine. Suddenly, Francis had his shape.

Continue reading The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race

The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 pinewood derbycub scoutsfeaturedledpinepinewood derbyr18Fri, 20 May 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943214/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/19943214/article-detail.xml 19943214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/pinewood-derby-audi-r18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/pinewood-derby-audi-r18.jpg <![CDATA[Intercontinental Le Mans Cup hits Spa-Francorchamps [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/intercontinental-le-mans-cup-hits-spa-francorchamps-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/intercontinental-le-mans-cup-hits-spa-francorchamps-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/09/intercontinental-le-mans-cup-hits-spa-francorchamps-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Intercontental Le Mans at Spa-Francorchamps

The second round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup took place in Belgium, and even though the Audi R18 took to the starting line for the first time, Peugeot was able to take the top two spots on the podium after six hours of racing.

Interestingly, the qualifying results were the opposite of the race results: Audi racers occupied the first three positions on the grid, and although a Peugeot 908 was in fourth, it wasn't a team car, it was that of the Oreca squad. Due to an incident-strewn and red-flagged qualifying session, the first Peugeot Sport Total car was back in 13th, the second was in 18th, and the third wasn't even classified and started at the back of the grid.

In the race, however, it was Audi's turn for bad juju. The pole-sitting car spun at the first corner on the first lap, one of the drivers accidentally hit the pit-lane speed limiter button during the race, unscheduled stops for new tires and collisions ate away at their positions. Come the checkered flag, team Audi rallied to take third, fourth, and fifth positions, but first and second went to The Lions - that second-place car being the one that started at the back of the grid.

Even with the copious amounts of shenanigans pre-race and in-race, the results aren't totally surprising: Peugeot has a knack for emerging victorious at Spa - this was the team's fifth consecutive win in the Ardennes. Have a look at some of the action in the high-res gallery below.

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup hits Spa-Francorchamps [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r18intercontinental le mans cuple mansle mans seriespeugeot 908peugeot 908 hdispaspa-francorchampsMon, 09 May 2011 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19934617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/09/intercontinental-le-mans-cup-hits-spa-francorchamps-spoilers/19934617/article-detail.xml 19934617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/intercontinental-le-mans-spa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/intercontinental-le-mans-spa.jpg <![CDATA[Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/audi-highlights-the-v6-tdi-in-the-new-r18/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/audi-highlights-the-v6-tdi-in-the-new-r18/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/audi-highlights-the-v6-tdi-in-the-new-r18/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R18 TDI
Audi R18 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look at the beast that is the new Audi R18 TDI and you'd be forgiven for assuming it has a big, rip-roarin' V10 with at least two turbochargers. Right? Wrong. Although the previous R15 TDI packed in ten oil-burning cylinders, new regulations - implemented to diminish the advantage the last generation of diesel-powered Le Mans Prototypes over their gasoline-burning competitors - forced Audi to go with a single-turbo V6 for the new R18. That didn't stop Audi from finding some unique ways to make the best of the new engine regs.

For starters, the engine block is made of aluminum - still a rarity for high-compression diesel engines, even after Mercedes-Benz introduced their design some six years ago. Audi also opened up the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, giving it a lower center of gravity approaching that of a boxer engine, and relocated the exhaust manifolds from port and starboard to a single unit nestled inside the wide V.

The result is a 3.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 that produces over 540 horsepower. The smaller form factor also allowed Audi Sport to optimize the aerodynamics, while its lower weight allowed the engineers to beef up other components. As for a regenerative braking system like its chief rival Peugeot runs (and like those employed in Formula 1), Audi says it is keeping the door open to the idea as development continues, but has yet to implement any such system. Follow the jump to read more about the engine specifically designed for Audi's latest prototype racer in the full press release.


Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 tdile manslmpr18r18 tditdiThu, 28 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19926427/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/28/audi-highlights-the-v6-tdi-in-the-new-r18/19926427/article-detail.xml 19926427 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-r18-tdi-enginebay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-r18-tdi-enginebay.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/audi-r18-tdi-debuts-in-full-race-livery-for-ahead-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/audi-r18-tdi-debuts-in-full-race-livery-for-ahead-of-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/audi-r18-tdi-debuts-in-full-race-livery-for-ahead-of-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R18 TDI
Audi R18 TDI in full livery testing at Paul Ricard - Click above for high-res image gallery

The domination of racing teams and the factories that support them wax and wane across countless motorsports disciplines around the world from year to year. But arguably none has continued to dominate like Audi at Le Mans. Since the turn of the millennium, Audi has won the iconic French endurance race every year but two: In 2003 when its own sister company Bentley took top honors, and in 2009, when its chief rival, Peugeot took the win.

Audi has introduced a succession of sports prototype racers to uphold its honor, from the original R8 through the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI that won last year. The latest is the closed-cockpit R18 TDI, which the German automaker has yet to field in an actual race but which has now undergone its first test sessions in the full battle livery you see here.

The trio of silver and black racers will again be differentiated by the red, yellow and black highlights, and feature a number of body parts crafted from carbon fiber, giving the R18 TDI a lightweight form on which Audi is banking to fend off Peugeot, which started off the season strong by defeating the outgoing R15 at Sebring.

Will the new R18 prove capable of shutting out its French rivals for the title event at Le Mans this coming June? We'll have to wait and see, but with the preliminary test sessions at the Circuit de la Sarthe reinstituted this past weekend after a two-year absence, the Audis were on top of the time sheets, the Peugeots only narrowly beating out the third of them. Follow the jump for press releases from the Paul Ricard and La Sarthe test sessions and take a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans

Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 tdiaudi r18 tdi le mansaudi racingle mansle mans prototypelemanslmppaul ricardpaul ricard high tech test trackpaul ricard htttr18r18 tdiTue, 26 Apr 2011 16:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19922157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/audi-r18-tdi-debuts-in-full-race-livery-for-ahead-of-le-mans/19922157/article-detail.xml 19922157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-audi-r18-tdiliverypaul-ricard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-audi-r18-tdiliverypaul-ricard.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R18 tests successful at Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/audi-r18-tests-successful-at-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/audi-r18-tests-successful-at-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/audi-r18-tests-successful-at-sebring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R18 Testing at Sebring
Audi R18 Testing at Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has officially put its new R18 Le Mans racer and all nine of its factory drivers through their paces. The pair of closed-cockpit Audi bruisers and one last-generation R15 TDI spent some time lapping Sebring as part of preparations for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each of the cadre of pilots was able to get some seat time in all three vehicles. Interestingly enough, Audi has made it clear that the R15 "Plus Plus" will campaign alone at this year's 12 Hours of Sebring. Audi typically uses the venue as a dry run for new hardware before showing up in France.

At this point, it appears that he R18 will enjoy its race debut at Le Mans instead. Audi motorsport boss Wolfgang Ullrich said that Sebring offers up a unique test of any race car's mechanicals, and that the warm, dry weather in Florida is more conducive to testing than European venues. Hit the jump for the full press blast.


Gallery: Audi R18 at Sebring


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R18 tests successful at Sebring

Audi R18 tests successful at Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r15 plus plusaudi r15 TDIaudi r18audi r18 le mansle mansr18sebringMon, 31 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19821965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/31/audi-r18-tests-successful-at-sebring/19821965/article-detail.xml 19821965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-r18-630-1296491958_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-r18-630-1296491958.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R18 Le Mans prototype unveiled with full roof, epic LEDs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi R18 LMP1
Audi R18 LMP1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

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.


Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 LMP1



[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R18 Le Mans prototype unveiled with full roof, epic LEDs

Audi R18 Le Mans prototype unveiled with full roof, epic LEDs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansamerican le mans seriesaudiaudi r18le mansr18r18 prototypeFri, 10 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19755953/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/10/audi-r18-le-mans-prototype-unveiled-with-full-roof-epic-leds/19755953/article-detail.xml 19755953 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-r18-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-r18-630.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Audi R18 coming December 10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/rumormill-audi-r18-coming-december-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/rumormill-audi-r18-coming-december-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/rumormill-audi-r18-coming-december-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Audi R15 Plus
2010 Audi R15 Plus - Click above for high-res image gallery

The funny thing about a race series like Le Mans is that as spectators, we only see a small fraction of the action when we watch events like Petit Le Mans or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the fender-to-fender fracas is plenty exciting, it takes an army of engineers frantically innovating and working to beat deadlines to carry the checkered flag each season. And that's exactly why we're so excited about this juicy little bit of rumor from Fortitude. From what we understand, Audi may be looking to retire its R15 Plus in favor of a new closed-cockpit R18.

According to Fortitude, the information comes courtesy of Le Mans Live Blog, which is operated by the fine people at Michelin. Since the tire maker is a partner in Audi motorsport, there's a good chance that this rumor is more than wild speculation. If Le Mans Live Blog is to be believed, the new machine will get an official unveil on December 10, though there are few details beyond that.

Audi has notoriously rejected the notion of a closed-cockpit Le Mans racer for years, even as the competition adopted the design to reduce driver fatigue and aerodynamic drag. But after Peugeot managed to knock Audi off of its Le Mans throne in 2009 with its closed-cockpit 908 HDi FAP, the German racing team's tune changed in a hurry.

Regardless of what the R18 looks like when it debuts, we'll be interested to see what Audi brings to the table for next year's race. With Peugeot once again looking for blood, it's bound to be a good one.


Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race


[Sources: Le Mans Live via Fortitude]

Rumormill: Audi R18 coming December 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansaudiaudi r15 plusaudi r18le mansr15 plusr18Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19750608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/08/rumormill-audi-r18-coming-december-10/19750608/article-detail.xml 19750608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/audi-r15-plus-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/audi-r15-plus-630.jpg -1 2