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[Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail

Audi released a single photo of the long-tailed version of its R18 E-Tron Quattro Le Mans racer, but the photo didn't offer the best view of the stretched rear. The car has been caught testing at Monza, in Italy, and not only do we get a better view of what it's got out back, we get pretty awesome sound as it makes high-speed runs past the camera.

Since the 2013-spec car was found to be down on performance versus the 2012, the long-tail is a different evolution to see if Audi can eke out more performance from its already dominant chassis. Have a look and a listen in the video below.

Continue reading Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza

Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecmonzavideoworld endurance championshipyoutubeThu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/20552740/article-detail.xml 20552740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail.png <![CDATA[Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Race teams are always looking for ways to shave hundredths of seconds of their lap times. Case in point: Audi is making some slight changes to its prototype racecar to make it ever so much more slippery as it cuts through the air.

Debuting at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa on May 4, Audi will be testing a long-tail version of its R18 E-tron Quattro racecar. As its name suggests, the long-tail car gets a lengthened rear section with the goal of improving aerodynamics. The long-tail will be run alongside the standard version of the racecar as a testbed for possible changes that might be in store, heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Audi did not say how many inches were added to the racecar, but as you can see in the image above, "long-tail" definitely doesn't take on the same meaning of classic long-tail cars of the past such as the Porsche 917. More information about the car, Audi's team and even some info about the track itself can be found below.

Continue reading Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans

Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecworld endurance championshipSat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/20548922/article-detail.xml 20548922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Porsche 911 RSR race car - studio view

Porsche is ready to go racing in 2013, showing off a new 911 RSR today that is scheduled to compete in several endurance events this year. Based on the current 991 911, the new RSR will compete in the 2013 season of the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will not, however, make an appearance in a North American racing series this year.

The 2013 version of the racecar has increased in wheelbase by some four inches, features a new wishbone front suspension in place of the last-generation's McPherson strut setup and boasts a new, lightweight six-speed racing gearbox. The engine, meanwhile, is an "optimized" version of last year's car, a 460-horsepower 4.0-liter boxer six-cylinder. Extensive use of carbon fiber and polycarbonate windows help the RSR shed weight, and Porsche has also balanced the weight more evenly with a lower center of gravity.

Porsche has thoughtfully dedicated some space to celebrate the 911's 50th Anniversary, with the number 50 clearly visible in the top-down view of the RSR, as well as along the doors. Scroll down to read the full Porsche press release, below.

Continue reading 2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut

2013 Porsche 911 RSR makes official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 9112013 porsche 911 rsr24 hours of le mansle mansporscheporsche 911porsche 911 rsrworld endurance championshipMon, 01 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/2013-porsche-911-rsr-makes-official-debut/20524839/article-detail.xml 20524839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-porsche-911-rsr-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-porsche-911-rsr-628.jpg <![CDATA[Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alpine N36 LMP2 racecar - profile studio shot

This is the Alpine LMP2 competitor you'll see contesting European endurance races this year, including The 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Parent company Renault showed off the N36 racer at its atelier in Paris, the blue and orange a switch from the yellow, black and white livery Alpine wore last time it was seen in Le Mans way back in 1978 when it won the race.

The team will be run by Signatech-Nissan and the chassis will be powered by a Nissan engine. Nelson Panciatici and Pierre Ragues will contest World Endurance Championship rounds throughout the year, they'll be joined by endurance and IndyCar veteran Tristan Gommendy for Le Mans and Paul-Loup Chatin as the team's reserve driver.

The Alpine N36 will get into its first test this week at Paul Ricard, then experience its first racing miles at the European Le Mans Series round at Silverstone on April 13. The press release below has the full scoop, the photos above have the past and present in high-res glory.

Continue reading Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans

Alpine unveils N36 LMP2 car that will race in 24 Hours of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansalpineeuropean le mans seriesle manslmp2motorsportsnissanrenaultworld endurance championshipMon, 25 Mar 2013 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20515083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/alpine-unveils-n36-lmp2-car-that-will-race-in-24-hours-of-le-man/20515083/article-detail.xml 20515083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alpinen36le-manslmp1.jpg <![CDATA[Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Porsche still hasn't showed the LMP1 contender it is building for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014 - in fact, there won't be any public eyeballs on it until the middle of 2013. But the Stuttgart manufacturer sure wants to make sure everyone knows it is coming, giving us another update - after the initial announcement and a retrospective video - on the car's progress even if there is no actual car yet.

The Weissach Motorsport Center where the racer is being born has been expanded just for the purpose with a new office complex and workshop building. The entire program has been restructured and the initial program head has relinquished his duties to focus on all of Porsche's other motorsports activities, while the chief of BMW's former F1 program, Fritz Enziger, has been brought in.

When it does hit the track, there will be drivers with Porsche's works team behind the wheel and providing support. It will start racing in the 2014 World Endurance Championship, which will give it plenty of hardcore development laps before that showdown in the Arcadian Gallic countryside. Clearly, Porsche is serious. There's a press release with further details below, and an encore showing of Porsche's Le Mans history, brought to you by Steve McQueen.

Continue reading Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video]

Update on Porsche's upcoming LMP1 Le Mans entry: Weissach team hard at work [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heures du mans24 hours of le mansle manslmp1porscheporsche lmp1videovideosweissachweissach motorsport centerworld endurance championshipyoutubeWed, 12 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/12/update-on-porsches-upcoming-lmp1-le-mans-entry-weissach-team-h/20398244/article-detail.xml 20398244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschelmp1update_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porschelmp1update.jpg <![CDATA[Next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans pushed back a week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/#commentsFiled under: ,



Race fans that look forward to the motorsports mecca that is the 24 Hours of Le Mans will have to wait one additional week.

According to an Autosport report, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest had announced the dates for the 2013 race as June 15-16, but following a request by the FIA, the dates had been changed. The race will now take place the 22nd and 23rd of June. The test date for the race will now be on June 9th.

In a statement from the ACO, the change was made, "in order to harmonize the world calendar of motor racing events."

The schedule change will not alter the fact that the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains as the centerpiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. The current season includes 12 Hours of Sebring, and six hour races at Spa, Silverstone, Sao Paulo, Bahrain, Fuji, and Shangai.

Next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans pushed back a week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of le mansacoendurance racingfiale manslemansworld endurance championshipThu, 30 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312980/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/next-years-24-hours-of-le-mans-pushed-back-a-week/20312980/article-detail.xml 20312980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/00-2012-24-hours-of-le-mans-opt.jpeg <![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[Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan at Le Mans

Nissan doesn't compete in Formula One. It doesn't field a top-tier LMP1 team at Le Mans. It doesn't race in NASCAR, IndyCar or the World Rally Championship. Yet the Japanese automaker doesn't have to stretch all that far to make the association between its brand and racing. It does, after all, offer competition versions of its GT-R and 370Z for use in a number of sportscar racing series around the world. But where it really shines is in the LMP2 category.

Slotting just below LMP1s like the Audi R18, new Toyota TS030 and the lamentably departed Peugeot 908, LMP2 racers are purpose-built for endurance racing at Le Mans and related events, but tend to be fielded by privateer teams. And the vast majority of them opt for Nissan engines.

In fact, 11 out of the 18 LMP2 cars that will be on the grid at this year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will powered by the 3.4-liter VK-series V8 engine which Nismo (the company's motorsport division) developed specifically for this application. And in the broader FIA World Endurance Championship (running for the first time this year), six out of nine will be powered by Nissan - the rest using Honda, Judd or Lotus-prepared BMW engines.

With those kinds of odds, our money's on Nissan taking the prize once again. Follow the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing

Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmplmp2nismonissanwecworld endurance championshipTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/20165650/article-detail.xml 20165650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/8864515-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/8864515-1.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

When Toyota announced its return to endurance sports car racing with the new TS030 Hybrid this season, the plan was to enter a handful of races, like Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, on an invitational basis.

Plans change, though, and Toyota has now upgraded the program to a full manufacturer entry, paving the way for it to compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. Now, with budget constraints, it's likely that Toyota will still pick and choose which races to contest, but it does open the door.

The change was apparently made in order to support endurance racing as a motorsport discipline. As part of its arrangement with the FIA, organizers at the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) need at least two manufacturers in the LMP1 category. With Peugeot's withdrawal, the series lacked the requisite level of participation, so Toyota stepped up to fill the void. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry

Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acofia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp1toyotatoyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridwecworld endurance championshipSun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163359/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/toyota-upgrades-limited-ts030-hybrid-racing-program-to-full-wec/20163359/article-detail.xml 20163359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ts030-web.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[Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Lola LMP2

The suitably rapid expansion of the Lotus Racing division is showing no signs of slowing down. The British marque has its own Formula One team, is supplying engines to the IndyCar Series, oversees both GP2 and GP3 teams, has competition versions of its road cars in various GT and rally championships, runs its own karting program, and offers enthusiasts top-notch trackday programs with the Evora GT and Exos/Type 125 single-seater. But that's not enough: now Lotus is gearing up to take on Le Mans.

The company was planning to design its own LMP2 racer, and it had snagged the designer of the 908 HDi away from the now-shuttered Peugeot Sport racing program. But that apparently didn't go quite as smoothly as planned, so Lotus has instead opted to back an independent team to run a second-tier Le Mans prototype on its behalf.

That team is Kodewa, headed up by former HRT F1 team principal Colin Kolles and his father Romulus. They'll be running a chassis built by Lola and powered by a BMW V8 prepared by Engine Developments - the same arrangement by which Lotus is powering its Indy program. The car, as you can see, features the same iconic black and gold livery as other Lotus racers, penned in this case by Daniel Simon - a former Volkswagen Group designer responsible for the Tron:Legacy lightcycles and the livery run on last year's HRT F111.

Look for the Lotus LMP2 to debut when the FIA World Endurance Championship kicks off here at Sebring in March, with a second car expected to join at Spa in May. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2

Lotus headed to Le Mans with Lola LMP2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel simonfia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp2lolalola lmp2 coupelotuswecworld endurance championshipThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/lotus-headed-to-le-mans-with-lola-lmp2/20161386/article-detail.xml 20161386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-lmp2.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota TS030 Hybrid

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. So, apparently, do the world's automakers. At least, that is, when it comes to Le Mans. Case in point: the new Toyota TS030 Hybrid, the Le Mans prototype that the Japanese automaker has just revealed, mere days after Peugeot announced its departure from the endurance racing scene.

Shorthand for the third Toyota Sport prototype - following the TS010 and TS020 that challenged Le Mans in the '90s - the TS030 is the first LMP1 to employ a hybrid drivetrain. (Peugeot was experimenting with a similar system before shutting down its program, and Audi is rumored to be testing one as well, but has yet to announce it to the public.)

Toyota Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) couples a 3.4-liter V8 to one of two potential electric motor setups: a front-mounted system developed by Aisin AW or a rear-mounted one from Denso. According to regulations, the electric boost can only drive one set of wheels, and Toyota has yet to decide which, although the 500kJ capacitor supplied by Nisshinbo is already a lock.

The carbon fiber chassis, meanwhile, was developed in-house by Toyota Motorsport GmbH in Cologne, Germany - the same outfit that ran the company's F1 team and has been looking for a new project ever since. The facility will serve as the team's headquarters as well, from which it will field one car in its debut at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps - the second round of the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - on May 5. Toyota is planning to field a second car at Le Mans in June, but while the first car's driver roster is already confirmed, the team has yet to decide on its second line-up.

Follow the jump for the full press release and spec sheet, and check out the first batch of official images in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video]

Toyota reveals TS030 Hybrid endurance prototype [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia world endurance championshiple manslmp1toyotatoyota ts030toyota ts030 hybridts030ts030 hybridwecworld endurance championshipTue, 24 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/toyota-reveals-ts030-hybrid-endurance-prototype/20155717/article-detail.xml 20155717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web02-toyota-ts030_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web02-toyota-ts030.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota LMP1 testing at Paul Ricard

The sudden departure of Peugeot from the Le Mans racing scene came as quite a shock, we know. But don't count the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - or the famed 24-hour race at its center - out for the count before it's even started, because another powerhouse is already gearing up to take Peugeot's place. And that powerhouse is Toyota.

The Japanese auto giant announced its plans to build and campaign a new LMP1 racer at Le Mans and the WEC back in October. Toyota Motorsport GmbH (which ran the company's F1 team until its withdrawal in 2009) then set about designing the car, partnering with Team Oreca to help with the logistics of entering the pinnacle of endurance racing, and hired three top pilots to, you know, actually drive the thing.

With all those pieces in place, the Toyota team began testing their new prototype racer last week at the Paul Ricard test track in France. Toyota itself didn't release much in the way of details, but Alex Wurz was said to have led the shake-down, with his team-mates Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima on hand to share in the driving duties as well.

And while no "official" photos were "officially" released, Toyota PR rep Scott Brownlee tweeted a couple of snapshots to whet our appetites. The result looks, predictably enough, much like the latest LMP1 racers fielded by Audi and the departed Peugeot, but as with most things, it's what's underneath the surface that will count the most. In Toyota's sake, that would be a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain of some sort, but we'll have to wait a little while longer - as the next round of testing and the car's anticipated debut at Spa come May approach - to find out more.

Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmp1paul ricardpaul ricard high tech test trackpaul ricard httttoyotatoyota lmp1toyota motorsporttoyota motorsport gmbhwecworld endurance championshipThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151509/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/20151509/article-detail.xml 20151509 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/498380862-1326919965_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/498380862-1326919965.jpeg <![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[Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota LMP1 rendering

Toyota is dead serious about its new Le Mans effort. To that end, the Japanese auto giant is developing an all-new hybrid LMP1 racer, it has retained the considerable services of Team Oreca to help with trackside logistics, and it has now announced its driver lineup. And make no mistake about it, these are no rookies.

Headlining the roster is Alex Wurz, who holds the title as the youngest winner in the history of Le Mans. The Austrian driver won again for Peugeot two years ago, and he has also taken the checkered flag at the Petit Le Mans, the Spa 1,000km and the Sebring 12 Hours, to name just a few. And as if that weren't enough, he's also an accomplished former Formula One driver, having driven for and scored podium finishes for a variety of teams including Benetton, McLaren and Williams (though not Toyota).

Joining Wurz will be Nicolas Lapierre, a French driver with a distinguished record in both lower formula racing (like F3 and A1GP) and endurance racing, including a win at Sebring this year. Finally, Toyota has added Kazuki Nakajima (one of Japan's best F1 drivers of the modern era) to the team that will be developing and fielding the new LMP1 at La Sarthe and other FIA World Endurance Championship races next season. The car is expected to make its debut "early in the new year" at a yet-to-be-determined European venue.

Continue reading Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program

Toyota recruits top drivers for new Le Mans program originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex wurzfia world endurance championshipkazuki nakajimalapierrele manslemanslmp1nakajimanicolas lapierretoyotatoyota lmp1toyota motorsportworld endurance championshipwurzMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100064/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/toyota-recruits-top-drivers-for-new-le-mans-program/20100064/article-detail.xml 20100064 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-lmp1-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-lmp1-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota LMP1 rendering

Toyota has announced that it is returning to the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile's World Endurance Championship in 2012. The car it will be contesting the series with is a new prototype that will use a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. We can only hope the experience will equal more exciting future models under the Prius range...

The last time Toyota competed in Le Mans racing was in 1999, just before the Japanese automaker abandoned the GT-One program to focus on Formula One.

We don't expect Toyota's new LMP1 racer to have anything in common with the erstwhile GT-One, which was powered by a 600-horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Though always fast, Toyota's last-gen endurance racer never quite put together a complete race. Here's hoping the effort produces more consistent results this time around. Check out the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car

Toyota returning to Le Mans with hybrid LMP1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid race carle manslmp1lmp1 hybridtoyotatoyota lmp1world endurance championshipFri, 14 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/toyota-returning-to-le-mans-with-hybrid-lmp1-car/20081928/article-detail.xml 20081928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-lmp1-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/toyota-lmp1-lead.jpg <![CDATA[ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/#commentsFiled under:

2010 24 Hours of Le Mans

Isn't it nice when we can all get along? After decades of rift between the FIA (which governs such premier racing series as F1, the WRC and the WTCC) and the ACO (which organizes Le Mans and its related series), the two have gotten together to form the new FIA World Endurance Championship.

The rapprochement is widely credited to FIA President Jean Todt, who lead Peugeot's factory team to victory at Le Mans before running the Scuderia Ferrari. After the initial announcement a few days ago, Todt and his ACO counterpart Jean-Claude Plassart held a press conference just two days before the start of this year's 24-hour race at La Sarthe to announce further details on what we can expect from the new series.

For starters, it would appear that the FIA World Endurance Championship will replace both the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and the FIA GT1 World Championship in 2012, basing the new calendar on the ILMC's current season now underway. The official calendar will be announced in the fall, and will consist of seven races of at least six hours each: two in the United States (likely Sebring and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta), two in Asia (probably in China and Abu Dhabi) and three in Europe (including Le Mans and two others - we'd guess Spa and Silverstone).

Points will be awarded on the same scale used in all FIA championships, awarding 25 points for first place, 18 for second, 15 for third, then 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point for tenth place. The headline 24 Hours of Le Mans, however, will be worth double points towards the titles. The classes will follow the ACO's formula, consisting of LMP1, LMP2, GTE Pro ad GTE Amateur. For more details check out the full announcement after the jump.

Continue reading ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship

ACO & FIA announce details for joint World Endurance Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobile club de louestfederation internationale de lautomobilefiafia gt1 world championshipintercontinental le mans cuple manswecworld endurance championshipFri, 10 Jun 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19962841/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/aco-and-fia-announce-details-for-joint-world-endurance-championshi/19962841/article-detail.xml 19962841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lasarthe-straight_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lasarthe-straight.jpg <![CDATA[FIA and ACO team up for new World Endurance Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/fia-and-aco-team-up-for-new-world-endurance-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/fia-and-aco-team-up-for-new-world-endurance-championship/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/fia-and-aco-team-up-for-new-world-endurance-championship/#commentsFiled under:

FIA GT1 World Championship

International motor racing is a complicated web of various series, each with their own types of cars run under different rules. The one element that binds them all - or at least a good proportion of them - together is the FIA. The international automobile federation governs Formula One, the World Rally Championship, the World Touring Car Championship and a variety of others. The one notable exception is Le Mans.

The iconic 24-hour endurance race and its affiliated series are organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), and have long stood apart from the FIA. But not any more, as the two French racing organizations have come together to form the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The announcement is set to take effect with a new series next season, but poses more questions than its answers. Of particular interest is what effect this will have on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Europe-based Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series and the newly formed Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, as well as the FIA's GT1 World Championship (pictured above) and GT3 European Championship. However, the FIA is said to be working on combining its GT1, GT2 and GT3 regulations into one class of sports cars.

A further announcement set for June 9 will hopefully address such details, but in the meantime, as a symbol of their cooperation, FIA President Jean Todt has been announced to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading FIA and ACO team up for new World Endurance Championship

FIA and ACO team up for new World Endurance Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acoautomobile club de louestendurance racingfederation internationale de lautomobilefiafia world endurance championshipworld endurance championshipMon, 06 Jun 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19958530/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/fia-and-aco-team-up-for-new-world-endurance-championship/19958530/article-detail.xml 19958530 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/17fiagtwc2010preview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/17fiagtwc2010preview.jpg -1 2