FEATURE AUDI R18 TDI
Tech Spec Class: LMP1 Prototype
Weight: 900kg (inc 50kg ballast)
Monocoque: carbon fi bre composite design incorporating aluminium honeycomb core
Engine: fully stressed, turbocharged, 3.7-litre V6; 120 degree cylinder angle; four valves per cylinder; DOHC; single Garrett turbocharger; 1 x 47.5mm air restrictor; turbo boost pressure: 3.0bar absolute
Electrics: lithium ion battery, Bosch MS14
Engine lubrication: dry sump, Castrol oil
Power: above 397kW (540bhp)
Torque: above 900Nm
Transmission: rear-wheel drive; traction control Clutch: carbon fi bre
Gearbox: Xtrac six-speed sequential Suspension::
independent with double wishbones all round; pushrod with torsion bars; adjustable dampers
Brakes: hydraulic dual circuit; monobloc light alloy calipers; ventilated carbon fi bre discs front and rear
Wheels: front 14.75 x 18; rear 14.5 x 18
Tyres: Michelin radial, front 360/710-18; rear 370/710-18
Length: 4650mm Width: 2000mm Height: 1030mm
Fuel cell capacity: 65 litres
T e correct application of
With the emphasis fi rmly on effi ciency, Audi’s new closed Prototype is down on power, but a long way ahead on innovation
By Andrew Cotton
money I
n 1999, Audi debuted its fi rst closed Prototype, the R8C, at the Le Mans 24 hours. Twelve years later, new regulations have forced the manufacturer to revist the concept with its latest endurance car, the R18 TDI. T e R8C was a sleek machine, powered by a 3.6-litre V8, and looked
stunning in its silver livery. It was built by British company racing technology norfolk (rtn), and run by the Audi UK importer under the guidance of Richard Lloyd, alongside the Team Joest-run R8R, the open-cockpit version of the same car.
Unfortunately, the R8C was an afterthought – a validation tool if you will
– hastily developed after the decision had been taken to stick with the open design. Out of the R8R, the R8 was born, a car that raced to fi ve Le Mans 24 hour
victories between 2000 and 2005 and multiple championship titles. So successful was the car in its open form that Audi continued without a roof through its diesel programme with the R10 and the R15. T e R15 was a complicated car, with a narrow operating window, and a
controversial nose that Peugeot contested contained a wing element. Audi had to redesign the car for 2010, and ran it again at the Sebring 12 hours in March 2011 as the new car was not yet ready. New regulations introduced this year have meant that Audi has been forced
back down the closed coupe route with its latest challenger, its third car in as many years; the R18 TDI.
Reduced capacity New engine regulations reduced capacity for diesel engines from a 5.5-litre maximum to 3.7-litres, and the resulting loss in torque and power meant teams had to produce slippery body shapes to maintain top speed. ‘Obviously, with a change in the rules, especially with the engine size and the reduction of power available, the aerodynamic effi ciency has become more and
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