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Audi will fight for victory in the Le Mans
24 Hours on June 12/13 with an evolution of the R15 TDI diesel race
sports car. An extensive testing program with the revised LMP1 vehicle
has just begun in the United States.
"From Audi’s perspective, the LMP1 is the
better alternative to Formula 1 because this motorsport category
features technologies and developments which are relevant to production
vehicles," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "At Le
Mans, efficiency is of paramount importance – and today, more than ever
before, it is a key deliverable of production vehicles as well and it is
one of Audi’s special strengths."
Therefore, efficiency was a focal point
during the R15 TDI evolution project – particularly in the complex area
of aerodynamics. "This year, the Le Mans regulations prescribe air
restrictors with a smaller diameter and reduced supercharging pressure
for diesel-powered vehicles," says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of
Technology at Audi Sport. "Due to the reduction of engine power as a
result of the regulations we have tried to make the car’s aerodynamics
even more efficient than before and to improve the Cd value and
downforce parameters."
A late change in regulations that was
announced only in November made the work of the engineers more difficult
and forced Audi to completely modify the front section of the R15 TDI.
Consequently, the diesel race sports car that is internally designated
as "R15 plus" now has a new, distinctive face featuring a split nose.
The entire shape of the R15 TDI’s body
has been revised for maximum efficiency. The same is true for the
modified cooling and fuel tank system. The V10 TDI engine has been
optimized for the smaller air restrictors and reduced supercharging
pressure. "Our objective was to keep power loss to a minimum despite the
limitations imposed by the regulations," explains Ulrich Baretzky, Head
of Engine Technology at Audi Sport. "We managed to do that through a lot
of detailed work." The 5.5-liter power plant continues to deliver more
than 440 kW.
"After Le Mans 2009, our specifications
for the R15 plus listed about 20 key items," says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier.
"Efficiency and reliability were at the top of the list but we also
looked at details like improved night time lighting of the track. We
were able to meet this wish of the drivers with a new headlight
concept."
The evolution version of the Audi R15
TDI completed its roll out on the Audi test track at Neustadt (Germany)
on March 3. The vehicle was subsequently flown to the United States for
two weeks of in-depth testing. Before the race at Le Mans in June, Audi
Sport Team Joest will complete an extensive testing program on various
European race tracks and test races at the 8 Hours of Le Castellet
(France) on April 11 and at the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps
(Belgium) on May 9.
A new partner has now joined the
project: the logo of the renowned watchmaker TAG Heuer will be featured
on the Audi R15 TDI. Some of the brand’s fame stems from U.S. actor
Steve McQueen wearing a TAG Heuer watch in the movie "Le Mans". |
