2015 R18 e-tron Quattro is finally unveiled

The LMP1 prototype tips the scales at just 870 kg and now consumes 2.5% percent less diesel per lap than last year in order to meet the more stringent regulations implemented by FIA. Output of the TDI 4.0-liter V6 engine stands at 558 HP (410 kW) and only five engines will be available during the 2015 WEC season.

4/9/15 5:00 am chumakdenis 1

Audi Motorsport has unveiled to us the 2015 R18 e-tron Quattro that is scheduled to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The new version has more aerodynamic body and features larger air inlets in the redesigned front wheel arches along with reshaped headlights benefiting from matrix LED and Audi Laserlight technologies.

Audi has also bestowed the race car with a new front wing, hood and engine cover while the monocoque has been carried over.

Two body configurations

Audi has prepared two body configurations suitable for various tracks of the 2015 WEC calendar and they have also optimized the chassis in collaboration with Michelin. The engineers were responsible for doubling the amount of energy from two to four megajoules per race lap at Le Mans and during braking the energy recovered is then sent back to the front axle during acceleration.

The electric motor has been upgraded to 272 HP (200 kW), representing a significant increase compared to last year's variant while the encapsulated flywheel energy storage system can now store 700 kilojoules which is 17% more than before.

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The LMP1 prototype tips the scales at just 870 kg (1,918 lbs) and now consumes 2.5% percent less diesel per lap than last year in order to meet the more stringent regulations implemented by FIA. Output of the TDI 4.0-liter V6 engine stands at 558 HP (410 kW) and only five engines will be available during the 2015 WEC season.

“The possibilities of the revolutionary regulations that have been in effect for LMP sports cars since 2014 are far from having been fully used. The rules harbor so much potential that there is room for future developments,” says Jörg Zander, Audi Sport’s new Head of Engineering. “We expect that the technological progress resulting from the fierce competitive pressure exerted by four automobile manufacturers that are now involved will significantly improve lap times this season - while concurrently reducing fuel consumption.”