For the past two decades, Audi has dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This year, the R18 e-tron Quattro looks poised for yet another great season.
Le Mans cars usually get overlooked nowadays by car enthusiasts. We’re usually up to date with what’s going on in Formula 1, who’s faster, who’s got better downforce and so on, or we’re admiring some fast little rally car or drift machine.
Speed however, comes in many shapes and sizes. Even if the Audi R18 looks like a submersible, it doesn’t mean that we should discount its ability to impress once the lights turn green.
Here’s what you’ve been missing: a monster 4.0 liter turbodiesel V6 engine, producing 558 HP & 850 Nm (626 lb-ft), assisted by the 272 HP electric motor. So far so…average you say? Sure, but do take into account the weight of the car, or lack of weight to be precise.
The 2015 Audi R18 e-tron tips the scales at just 870 kg (1,918 lbs), which makes for a lightning quick car.
As for the changes, well you won’t notice a lot of modifications, but the R18 that’s going to run for the first time this year at Spa, does have improved airflow, modified sidepods, openings relocated on the inner surface of the rear fenders and a new rear wing support.
Jan Monchaux, Head of Aerodynamics at Audi Sport explains that “Because downforce at Le Mans is not as important as it is at other tracks, we developed other solutions and new body shapes. In this way, we reduce the drag. All the turning vanes, wings and similar elements are no longer mounted so steeply in the airflow; the curvature of the wing profile is less.”
Monchaux expects the improved R18 to perform well not just at Spa but also on other tracks where you don’t have to focus too much on high speeds – such as Shanghai.
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