Audi Sport has officially unveiled the all-new 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro, the car that will compete in 2014 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. According to Audi, the updated R18 e-tron quattro meets the technical regulation applicable for next year and it was designed for maximum efficiency.
"We’ve reached a crucial stage in this project," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich. "After building the first prototype, testing on various race tracks is now taking center-stage. The tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out efficiency optimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one."
The 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro is featuring a V6 TDI mid-engine which powers the rear wheels and an e-quattro hybrid system which powers the front axle. Compared to its predecessor, the new R18 e-tron quattro is 30% more economical and rides on slimmer wheels.
The vehicle has 1.050 mm height, 20 mm more than the previous version and features a width reduced by 100 mm compared to the old model. The racing debut of the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro will be on 20 April at the six hour race at Silverstone.
“The next Audi R18 e-tron quattro represents a completely new generation of Le Mans prototypes,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich. “The principles of the LMP1 regulations have fundamentally changed. The idea behind this is to achieve similarly fast lap times as in the past with considerably less energy. Making more out of less: a forward-thinking approach.”
