The Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is currently the dominant car in the world of Le Mans, thanks in no small part to its diesel-electric hybrid system that mates a 3.7-liter V6 engine to an electric motor that drives the front wheels. Together they make over 500 hp, and accelerate the car with a loud gas turbine-like hiss and deep V6 burble – you notice how the two sounds overlap around the 28 second mark of the following video.
It shows the successful racecar being prepped for its next competition season via a private test session, which according to NM2255’s description was carried out around Italy’s Monza track.
Thankfully, Audi seems to have had the track all to itself on the day, so there’s nothing to distort the R18’s unique sound signature as it wooshes past at immense speed.
I think its aggressive appearance, coupled with the high velocities it can maintain through corners and the jet fighter-meets-V6 TDI straight-pipe noise make this now one of the most spectacular racing cars to watch.
Feel free to agree or not in the comments section below.
By Andrei Nedelea
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