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[Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Audi

The 61st edition of The 12 Hours of Sebring is on, and Autoblog has come to central Florida with Audi to feast on jumbo boiled peanuts, pickled eggs and the final race for the LMP1 class at the oldest road course in North America. As Audi has been doing for more than a decade now, it's brought its latest endurance race car, the 2013-spec R18 etron quattro, to Sebring to begin testing for Le Mans.

Why the commitment to Sebring? Audi Sport executives have repeatedly called Sebring "punishing," "extremely demanding" and "one of the toughest tracks in the world." It is a 3.47-mile circuit that, in places, feels like it was made from the leftover bits of other circuits. Doing the 12-hour distance in Florida is thought to be a good start on lasting the 24-hour distance in France, and we can't think it a coincidence that Audi has won ten times here in the last 13 years and 11 times in Gaul.

Where there's rhyme - and victory - there is reason. We think we found a few of them on our first day where preparation, technology, fastidious attention to detail and sweat fit right in with swamp cabbage...

Continue reading Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebringaudifeaturedmotorsportsr10r15r18r18 etron quattror18 ultraracingsebringSat, 16 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/20506170/article-detail.xml 20506170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebringr18etronquattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebringr18etronquattro.jpg <![CDATA[Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro racecar - front three-quarter view

We were baffled a few weeks back when the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series announced new classes that will make up their combined racing program in 2014. Gone from the list is the Le Mans Prototype class, otherwise known as LMP1. The LMP1 class has long been the top dog of endurance racing, both in Europe and the US, so we couldn't figure out why this newly minted racing series was jettisoning it like yesterday's donuts.

It appears as if Audi is confused by the move as well. The German brand has announced it will participate in this year's ALMS opening round, the famed 12 Hours of Sebring, as it does every year, and bringing two Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro hybrid race cars with which to compete. Unlike every other year, Audi is treating this year's race as its potential swan song in this famous Florida race.

There's a good reason that Audi is so fond of the 12 Hours of Sebring, as it debuted the gas-powered R8R there in 1999 that kicked off its participation in the upper echelon of endurance racing. The R8R preceded the R8, which debuted at Sebring in 2000 and won that race, starting an amazing career for that car that included five more wins at Sebring. The R8 was followed by the R10, then the R15 and R18, and finally we wind up at today's R18 E-Tron Quattro - all winners, all dominant, all exciting to watch.

Along with the two R18 E-Tron Quattros doing the actual racing, one of which will be a new updated version, Audi is bringing an R8 from the 2000-2005 era, an R10 TDI from the 2006-2008 era, an R15 TDI from 2009 and the R18 TDI that won there last year, all for the enjoyment of spectators who've watched Audi dominate this race, winning it outright in 10 of the last 12 years.

Though Audi has long since abandoned campaigning the whole ALMS season, it was still usually good for at least the season opener in Sebring, which provided a nicely timed testing opportunity ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, if not a couple of other races on the calendar. Unfortunately, with the demise of LMP1 in American endurance racing, March 16 in Sebring, Florida may be the last time for a while that we see Audi dominate an endurance race on American soil. Let's hope ALMS and Grand-Am find a solution.

Continue reading Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars

Audi commits two R18 E-Tron Quattros to final Sebring race for LMP1 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebringalmsamerican le mans seriesaudie-trongrand amgrand am rolexr10r15r18r18 e-tron quattror18 prototyper8sebringWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435536/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/audi-commits-two-r18-e-tron-quattros-to-final-sebring-race-for-l/20435536/article-detail.xml 20435536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audimotorsport-130121-0419-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audimotorsport-130121-0419-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi mulling range-topping diesel hybrid R10 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R18 e-tron quattro

Who ever thought we'd hear this said about a sports car: "If we made this a diesel hybrid it could be a hot-seller." Yeah. Never. Nevertheless, that's what Audi R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer told Auto Express about a his idea for a supercar to sit above the R8 and bang carbon-fiber fenders with the McLaren P1, Ferrari F70 and Porsche 918.

Durheimer's quest, in his double life as not just R&D director but also Volkswagen's head of motorsport, is to create a more obvious and lucrative connection between an Audi road car and the automaker's 24 Hours of Le Mans victories with diesel-powered racers. It's pure speculation after that, but Auto Express distills particulars down to at least 700 horsepower and 737 foot-pounds of torque, terminal velocity beyond 200 mph, and construction using either a bespoke carbon fiber tub or the coming MSB platform planned for all mid- and rear-engined VW-Group models. Figure a 2017 due date at the earliest.

Durheimer said his team will soon to decide the top three priorities for the future. If this diesel hybrid supercar gets the nod, it would be the antipodean twin of another possible Audi that Durheimer spoke of to Autocar, a 235-mpg city car based on the A1.

Audi mulling range-topping diesel hybrid R10 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audir10r18r18 e-tron quattror18 ultrar8Wolfgang DurheimerSun, 25 Nov 2012 18:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/25/audi-mulling-range-topping-diesel-hybrid-r10-supercar/20387583/article-detail.xml 20387583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/r18intor10hybrid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/r18intor10hybrid.jpg <![CDATA[Audi bringing digital rearview mirror from racing to production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/audi-bringing-digital-rearview-mirror-from-racing-to-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/audi-bringing-digital-rearview-mirror-from-racing-to-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/audi-bringing-digital-rearview-mirror-from-racing-to-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R8 etron digital rearview mirror screen

Audi's digital rearview mirror is officially going from the Le Mans clobbering, race-only Audi R18 to the road-going R8 e-tron (click the image above to enlarge). Lacking a rear window put the R8 e-tron in the same rear-view challenged category as its racing brethren, and so has been provided the same solution.

The 7.7-inch AMOLED screen receives the feed from a tiny camera just a few millimeters across. The screen is dimmable, will automatically reduce the glare from the headlights of cars behind, and can be switched off if the driver just isn't with it. For now, it appears the screen will just display the camera image, but Audi says it's working on adding more information to the display in the future. You can find out more about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Audi bringing digital rearview mirror from racing to production

Audi bringing digital rearview mirror from racing to production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you don't want to know who finished where in the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, then you should head to another post this instant...

With Peugeot's withdrawal from the world's greatest endurance race, everyone was looking to the rookie Toyota team and its two petrol-hybrid TS030 race cars to provide some kind of worthy competition for the two diesel-hybrid Audi R18 e-tron quattros and two Audi diesel R18 Ultras. And they did. Five hours from the drop of the green flag, Nicolas Lapierre in the No. 7 Toyota passed Benoit Treluyer in the No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro on track to take the lead.

At almost the same time, Anthony Davidson in the No. 8 Toyota was getting launched into the air when a GT Pro-class Ferrari turned into him heading into Mulsanne Corner. Both drivers had massive impacts with the tire barrier, ending their races, and Davidson is now lying in the hospital with two fractured vertebra. Worse yet, the second Toyota had fallen to second due to a pit stop during the safety car period, and on the restart it crashed into the Nissan DeltaWing. That DeltaWing's race was ended after a solid run in its experimental class - its biggest issue appeared to be that other drivers couldn't see it. The Toyota returned to the pits for repairs and got back on track, but retired with engine failure about 12 hours in.



That left the four Audis to box for the victory, and they took the boxing seriously, making contact with tire walls, with other cars and with each other before the No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro driven by last year's winners Treluyer, Andre Lotterer and Marcel Fassler took the win, the first Le Mans win by a hybrid-powered car. Second was the No. 2 R18 e-tron quattro of "Mr. Le Mans" Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Dindo Capello, then the two diesel-powered R18 ultras in third and fifth. Nicolas Prost, son of four-time F1 champion Alain Prost, took fourth in a Lola Toyota, breaking up the Audi family.

The LMP2 class win was snagged by Ryan Dalziel in an HPD-Honda, pursued heavily by the Oreca-Nissan team. Giancarlo Fisichella took the AF Corse Ferrari F458 Italia to victory in the GT Pro class after having crashed the car so badly on Wednesday that the team had to start the race at the back of the pack; the GT Am Corvettes were beset by mechanical trouble and on-track incidents. Redemption for the home team came from Pedro Lamy in the Labre Corvette C6.R, who claimed GT Am honors ahead of the Imsa Porsche team.

24 Hours of Le Mans delivers something old, something new [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansandre lottereraudiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 ultrachevroletcorvette c6.rcorvette c6rdeltawingferrarile mansmotorsportsnissannissan deltawingr18r18 e-tron quattror18 ultratoyotatoyota ts030ts030Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/17/24-hours-of-le-mans-delivers-something-old-something-new-spoil/20260279/article-detail.xml 20260279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Le Mans starting grid set, Audi hybrid takes pole but Toyotas break up the pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/le-mans-starting-grid-set-audi-hybrid-takes-pole-but-toyotas-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/le-mans-starting-grid-set-audi-hybrid-takes-pole-but-toyotas-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/le-mans-starting-grid-set-audi-hybrid-takes-pole-but-toyotas-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



There were times during the past two days of qualifying when it looked like Audi might own the first two rows of the starting grid for this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The R18 e-tron quattro hybrid cars were running the quickest lap times, with the two diesel R18 Ultras following close behind. The two Toyota TS 030 hybrid cars were also quick, but it seemed they were always nipping at the heels of an Audi's lap time, much like the Audis used to trail the faster Peugeots during qualifying for Le Mans races of the recent past. And we all know how that usually ended for Peugeot.



So when the third and final qualifying session ended last evening, we were surprised to learn the starting grid had ended up as anything but expected. An Audi will have pole position, and a hybrid car at that, which marks the first time such a powertrain has earned the honor. The No. 1 R18 e-tron quattro beat all comers with a fastest lap of 3:23.787, nearly two seconds quicker than last year's pole.

Next to the first R18 e-tron quattro will be another R18, but not a hybrid. The No. 3 R18 Ultra will be starting second, followed by the No. 8 Toyota TS030 hybrid starting third, the other R18 e-tron quattro starting fourth, the No. 7 Toyota TS030 hybrid starting fifth and the final R18 Ultra starting sixth. So not a single car of the quickest six will start next to its twin, which suggests that none of the three powertrain technologies has a lock on leading the race.



In LMP2, the No. 25 Oreca Nissan led the field with a fastest lap of 3:38.181, followed closely by the No. 24 Oak Racing Morgan Judd and then four more Oreca Nissans. The Nissan DeltaWing, racing in an experimental class of its own, wound up near the back of the LMP2 field with a fastest lap of 3:42.612 set on the first day of qualifying.

The GTE Pro class promises to be as exciting as ever this year, with the pole being led by the No. 71 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia, which recorded a particularly quick lap of 3:56.484 during the final qualifying session. The Ferrari will be followed by Aston Martin Racing's No. 97 Vantage V8 and the first of two Corvette Racing C6 ZR1s.

Lastly, the GTE Am class will be lead by the No. 79 Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 RSR with a leading lap time of 3:57.594, followed by another 911 from Prospeed Competition and the No. 99 Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage.

Click here to find out the best place, time and way to experience this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Le Mans starting grid set, Audi hybrid takes pole but Toyotas break up the pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R18 rear-view camera system

Every year at every auto show we see concept cars that envision replacing the rearview mirrors with digital cameras. They're usually the exterior mirrors and not the central one above the windshield, but whatever the case, and however much sense they seem to make, government regulations prevent them from being put into production. But Audi has found another use for the idea: its racing cars.

The latest R18 Le Mans prototype features, among other more considerable advancements, an AMOLED screen in the closed cockpit that's hooked up to a video camera, housed in carbon fiber and protruding ever so slightly from the tail fin. The system allows the drivers - who are put under enormous strain over the course of an endurance race - to clearly see the traffic coming up behind (or that they've just passed), which is apparently of great benefit considering that these mid-engined, closed-cockpit LMPs have no room for a rear window through which a conventional mirror would peer.

While they were at it, Audi moved the gear indicator, some warning lights and the tire slip gauge to the high-mounted central display. The side mirrors are still there on the outside, so the system doesn't eliminate that drag (for now), but it operates independent of the sight-limiting vibrations that can occur at the high speeds an LMP can reach, and of the weather conditions that can cause reduced visibility from spray in the wet.

Though it may take some time, if Audi wins on Sunday, it could end up selling this technology in its road cars on Monday.

Continue reading Audi reinvents the rearview mirror for its Le Mans racers

Audi reinvents the rearview mirror for its Le Mans racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota TS030 Hybrid and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro

While the Toyota TS030 Hybrid won't be participating in this weekend's FIA World Endurance Championship race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium due to a crash in pre-season testing last month, that didn't stop the automaker from bringing the new endurance racer as a preview for what's to come for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The TS030 even made time for a quick photoshoot at the infamous Eau Rouge alongside the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, which happens to be making its race debut this weekend.

While both the Audi and Toyota employ hybrid powertrains, a first for endurance prototypes, each go about it in very different ways. The TS030 makes use of a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 while the R18 e-tron Quattro uses a turbocharged diesel V6. Audi's hybrid system powers the front wheels, hence the Quattro name, while Toyota has yet to announce whether it's system will drive the front or rear wheels.

The closed cockpit racers make for quite an attractive couple, and we hope it's a pairing that will form a lasting rivalry in the coming years.

Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro pose for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18 e-tron quattrofia world endurance championshipr18spa francorchampstoyotatoyota ts030toyota ts030 hybridts030Fri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20230013/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/toyota-ts030-and-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-pose-for-the-camera/20230013/article-detail.xml 20230013 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-ts030-spa-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/toyota-ts030-spa-2012.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.

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The inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring was held 60 years ago in 1952. Ferrari was the first to build a dynasty of overall wins, followed by Ford, then Porsche, then Nissan, and today we live in the era of Audi. With its main rival, Peugeot, having pulled out of endurance racing altogether this year, the only manufacturer that could prevent Audi from claiming its tenth overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring was Audi itself.

That was unlikely to happen, especially considering that Audi chose to field three teams, each driving the very capable R18 in the car's last appearance before being replaced by the R18 Ultra and R18 e-tron quattro. Yes, the result in the fastest LMP1 class was a forgone conclusion, and Audi delivered, claiming the first and second steps of the podium. The winning R18 was car #2 driven by Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. Kristensen, who holds the record for most overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also now has a record six overall victories at Sebring. It was Capello's fifth win at Sebring and McNish's fourth. The team of veterans completed 301 laps of the 3.7-mile track and amazingly finished with no evidence of body contact with another car.

Continue reading 12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish

12 Hours of Sebring celebrates 60 years with exciting finish originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebring2012alan mcnishaudibmwdindo capellor18tom kristensenSun, 18 Mar 2012 15:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/18/12-hours-of-sebring-celebrates-60-years-with-exciting-finish/20195791/article-detail.xml 20195791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/141488417-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/141488417-opt.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[Live shots of Audi R18 Le Mans crash site show the devastation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/live-shots-of-audi-r18-le-mans-crash-site-show-the-devastation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/live-shots-of-audi-r18-le-mans-crash-site-show-the-devastation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/live-shots-of-audi-r18-le-mans-crash-site-show-the-devastation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

As you're likely aware, the #3 Audi R18 TDI driven by Allan McNish was destroyed in a spectacular accident earlier this morning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McNish walked away from the scene, was checked out at the hospital, given a clean bill of health, and has since returned to the Audi garage.

QuattroWorld.com is onsite at Le Mans and was only 100 yards away from being in the very wrong spot at the wrong time as the Audi crash took place. Those guys were able to capture some unique photos that they're now graciously sharing with Autoblog.

Please follow QuattroWorld on Facebook to keep up to date on the action at Le Mans (just don't expect too many Peugeot pictures). Thanks again to QuattroWorld, Josh Decker and Mike Juergens for the photos, which you can check out in the gallery below.

Live shots of Audi R18 Le Mans crash site show the devastation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201124 hours of le mansallan mcnishaudicrashle mansr18wreckSat, 11 Jun 2011 13:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964507/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/11/live-shots-of-audi-r18-le-mans-crash-site-show-the-devastation/19964507/article-detail.xml 19964507 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/r18crash-byjoshdecker-13630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/r18crash-byjoshdecker-13630.jpg <![CDATA[Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/allan-mcnishs-terrifying-audi-r18-tdi-le-mans-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/allan-mcnishs-terrifying-audi-r18-tdi-le-mans-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/11/allan-mcnishs-terrifying-audi-r18-tdi-le-mans-crash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Allan McNish crash
Allan McNish crash 2011 24 Hours of LeMans - Click above to view video after the jump

Less than an hour in to the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Audi R18 TDI of Allan McNish is out of contention. With McNish at the wheel, the R18 ran up on slower GT traffic coming into the Dunlop curve. Instead of backing off, McNish tried to shoot the gap underneath a slower Ferrari 458 Italia. As McNish reached the apex of the corner, he touched the Ferrari, sending both cars hard into the barrier.

The R18 got airborne in the gravel, and slammed into a tire wall sideways, spraying photographers and spectators with wheels, suspension pieces and large chunks of carbon fiber monocoque. Despite the severity of the crash, McNish was able to walk away under his own power after marshals righted the remains of his diesel prototype.

It's good to know McNish is ok, and our thoughts are with the photographers and marshals who got sprayed with crash debris. Ultimately, McNish probably shouldn't have shot the gap this early in the race. To see the full terrifying video, click past the jump.

Continue reading Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash

Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 24 hours of le mans2011 audi r18 tdialln mcnishaudibreakingle mansr18tdiSat, 11 Jun 2011 11:09:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964466/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/11/allan-mcnishs-terrifying-audi-r18-tdi-le-mans-crash/19964466/article-detail.xml 19964466 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mcnish-crash-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mcnish-crash-lead.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[Audi R18 commercial shows attention to detail and lightweight technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/audi-r18-commercial-shows-attention-to-detail-and-lightweight-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/audi-r18-commercial-shows-attention-to-detail-and-lightweight-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/08/audi-r18-commercial-shows-attention-to-detail-and-lightweight-te/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

audi r18 tdi
How light is the Audi R18 TDI? - Click above to watch video after the jump

Audi loves talking about the lightweight technology used to build its mighty turbodiesel LMP racers. While the last-generation R15 utilized a 590-horsepower twin-turbo 10-cylinder diesel engine, revisions to the rulebook forced Audi to alter the oil-chugging powertrain. The newer R18 TDI is powered by 3.7-liter V6 turbodiesel that pumps out around 575 horsepower, yet weighs 25-percent less than the previous mill and drinks fuel at a slower rate.

Besides the engine, Audi has employed aluminum and carbon fiber in an effort to keep the weight of the R18 TDI as low as possible. How did the four-ringed automaker fare? According to the commercial posted after the jump, the engineering team did a pretty good job.

Continue reading Audi R18 commercial shows attention to detail and lightweight technology

Audi R18 commercial shows attention to detail and lightweight technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi le mans prototypeaudi lmpaudi r18 tdidieseldiesel le manslmpr18r18 tdivideoWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19962017/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/08/audi-r18-commercial-shows-attention-to-detail-and-lightweight-te/19962017/article-detail.xml 19962017 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-r18tdi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/audi-r18tdi.jpg -1 2