Audi introduced its latest sports car Audi R18 at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt, Germany, Friday.
Audi's latest sports-prototype features a brand new 3.7-liter V6 TDI turbocharged diesel engine and marks the first time a closed cockpit sports car has been put into race by the factory Audi Sport Team Joest outfit.
Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich, head of Audi, said that Audi R18 was designed for progressive electrification which the company is planning forward step by step. He said that efficiency is always a crucial factor for Audi. Moreover, Ulrich said that aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important in the future. He said that computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests.
Ulrich Baretzky, head of engine development, said that the TDI is the most efficient technology of all time. Baretzky said that through the innovative V6 TDI engine for the Le Mans 24 Hours, motorsport will be performing pioneering work for the production arm at Audi where there is a growing trend towards smaller and cheaper but powerful engines.
Another innovation that has been added in the R18 is the six-speed transmission, which specifically modified to support the smaller engine. The chassis and aerodynamics package, on the other hand, is almost similar with previous Audi Sports model, whereas the fitting of identically sized front and rear wheels is new to an Audi Le Mans sports car. Baretzky said that this configuration permits a more balanced weight distribution. Meanwhile, Dr. Ulrich said that they are planning to send three Audi R18 cars into race at Le Mans on March 19 next year.
Source: Seedol.com | Hot Breaking News
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