Audi R18 e-tron quattro

Audi R8 Family Gets Updated with Innovative Technologies

Audi is famous for is many supercars, but one thing that makes the company truly stand out is that the race cars and production cars have a lot in common. At least in many technical areas, like their controls and displays for instance. The best example however is the similarity between the Audi R18 e-tron quattro race car prototype and the Audi R8 sports car. The first one has actually competed at the 24 hours of Le Mans this weekend, performing great and achieving third place.

Going on sale this summer, the high-performance sports car, is part of a sporty family comprising of the GT race car, the Audi R8 LMS, and the battery-electric powered Audi R8 e-tron. Now, the vehicle is in its latest evolutionary form and this means it can offer even more power, speed and endurance.

As you can see from the picture below, the designs of the steering wheels of both cars as well as their digital displays show significant similarities. It is obvious that the high-performance Audi R8 is extremely close to that of a race car and its controls and displays are showing this, too.

Similarities: Steering wheels & Displays

Audi R8 and Audi R8 LMS

Audi R8 V10 plus is now getting a steering wheel which comprises of 20 controls. Among them there are four new satellite buttons. On the other hand, the LMP1 race car and the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro have 33 buttons on their wheels. In addition, in both cars, the driver shifts gears from the steering wheel.

There are also color indicators, again similar in both, which notify the driver when the engine is nearing its rpm limit. What is more, key driving dynamic parameters can adjusted or set via new control buttons on the steering wheel in both cars. There is also information for the tire pressure and lap times, which appears on a digital display, both in the R8 LMS and R8.

Audi R8 e-tron with 462 HP

Audi R8 e-tron is famous for being the first all-electric car produced by the company. It will produce 462 hp (340 kW) of power, which will enable it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In addition, it will be able of covering a maximum driving range of 450 kilometers (279.6 mi). The e-tron is actually a mobile laboratory for Audi and its aims of developing new electrical concepts and components.

Source: Audi

June 15, 2015

Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro Demonstrates Refreshed Design and Features

Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro debuts with refreshed styling and bodywork features. In fact, the whole concept is different, compared to the Audi model, that won the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC season at Silverstone. As you know, it is kind of a tradition for Audi team to create different bodywork concepts for each individual race. Just to be prepared for everything. And this proofed to be a successful strategy.

As you might remember, the visual changes in previous models was not that interesting or recognizable, but now, the skilled engineer team created a body, that is especially designed and tweaked, just to be in great condition to the Le Mans race. The specific tweaks and configurations are especially done to achieve better downforce, higher speed and even better aerodynamics.

In fact, the result is more than satisfying. the greater downforce levels, along with the different fairing, sidespots, openings and the overall bodywork and styling are essential for the latest Audi vehicle and promise to achieve the best results available on the sports track.

With all the innovations and tweaks, Audi team is ready to show great results not only in the training place, but also on the Le Mans track itself.

We wish Audi team luck and numerous occasions for celebrations!

Source: Audi

April 30, 2015

Audi Unveils 2014 R18 e-tron quattro

The new 2014 WEC season began for Audi with spectacular appearance. The brand has just unveiled the updated Audi R18 e-tron quattro not only rolling on the Le Mans legendary race track, but also on public traffic. Tom Kristensen, who holds nine victories and who is a record holder of the Le Mans 24 Hours, drove the diesel hybrid sports car from the Saint-Julien du Mans cathedral in the city centre to the famous race track.

Audi’s newly livered LMP1 race car completed the ten kilometer distance through the city in a motorcade, did a lap on the Circuit Bugatti and eventually arrived in front of the race track’s center. The new colour scheme of the vehicle now has white, silver, red and black, and also features fresh and expressive graphics.

These colours are symbolic: silver emphasizes the past success in racing and is used as a base for the livery; white harmonises with the former color and stands for the hybrid drive, being utilized asymmetrically in order to highlight the complexity of the powertrain technology; black is used for the front and rear wings, as well as on sections of the fenders and sides with highly defined geometric contours, and this contrasting color stands for light-weight design; at last, red is Audi’s performance colour.

The graphics featured include Audi’s logos and inscriptions. They have longitudinal orientation and express the speed that is also emblematic for Le Mans. Red color is also included in the rims, and due to the wheel rotation, it also achieves a very dynamic effect.

2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro is equipped with a V6 TDI power plant, which was increased from 3.7 to 4 litres, thus additionally optimizing the efficient engine. The energy flows through a motor generator unit (MGU) at the front axle and is stored in a flywheel energy storage system.

The new race car provides the optimum balance between efficiency, size, weight, energy conversion efficiency, responsiveness, drivability and durability. It is expected to participate in the official test of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Le Castellet in France on 28th and 29th of March.

Source: Audi

March 27, 2014

World Premiere Of Audi R18 e-tron quattro

At the world premiere of Audi R18 e-tron quattro the brand also unveiled exclusively another technical highlight which will be included in the new LMP1 sports car. The sportscar wtill be equipped with laser light and will make a racing appearance at Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The new lightning technology will also open up completely new possibilities for the future production models. The innovative laser light complements the main LED headlights. A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens. Through the latter the light beam is then emitted. The goal of this new technology is to provide homogenous lighting of the road.

Audi will participate in the new motorsport season with Le Mans prototypes (LMP1), DTM and GT sport. At the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will see Audi Sport Team Joest compete as the title defender. In the DTM, main teams will be those of Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. Mike Rockenfeller will be the title defender, in car number 1.

Source: Audi

December 19, 2013

Audi Sport has developed a fundamentally new Le Mans prototype that corresponds to the Technical Regulations for 2014 and is designed for maximum efficiency. The new Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is being tested on the race track where all new Le Mans prototypes of the manufacturer have had to prove their worth – at Sebring racetrack.

“We’ve reached a crucial stage in this project,” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“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 an efficiencyoptimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one.”, he added.

Audi has won the manufacturers’ and drivers’ classifications in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the second time in succession and the Le Mans 24 Hours for the twelfth time this year. Until the end of this year, the manufacturer will introduce the next generation of its hybrid sports car.

Stay tuned!

Source: Audi

December 9, 2013

Audi R18 e-tron quattro Focuses On Safety At Le Mans

This year Le Mans 24 Hours celebrates its 90th anniversary. In it will see many exclusive models competing and among them is the 2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The main focus in this racing car is the active safety systems which defuse dangerous situations in the preliminary stages.

Some of the already available assistance systems in standard Audi models are for instance the ‘Audi side assist’ which facilitates lane changes; the ‘Audi pre sense’ that helps avoid accidents; the night vision assistant which helps the driver in seeing pedestrians.

However, not all of the technologies that are being offered are suitable for racing. Race drivers are expected to demonstrate their skills on the wheel instead of having their most challenging tasks performed by electronic assistants. However, Audi still managed to equip the new 2013 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro with assistance systems which are going to help in the competition.

The first example is that the lighting technology has been improved by extending the headlight sight distance by 85 percent. The drivers will benefit from a light beam that is more than 800 meters long.

In addition, the every headlight comprises of eight LED units and even more, the engineers have used matrix-beam principle which now can divide the light into individual segments. Next, Audi also utilized the technology known as cornering light. The LEDs on the outside of the corner are dimmed and the ones on the inside of the corner emit a brighter light.

Another interesting technology featured here is the digital rear-view mirror, which is mounted on the roof above the driver. On it the driver can see the traffic behind the car with a field angle of 60 degrees. The electric signal is transmitted to a display in the cockpit, featuring innovative AMOLED technology.

This acronym stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode or to say it even simpler – an organic light emitting diode with active matrix technology. The screen has a diagonal of 6.8 inches and the display has a resolution of 600,000 pixels.

This new system has several advantages over the standard mirrors. First of all it remains free from vibrations. Secondly, the blind spot behind the car has been eliminated. Next, when lapping other cars, it is easier for the drivers to judge when they can change lines.

One of the major changes featured in this car is in the steering wheel, which now includes 13 buttons that are located on the front. They can be utilized to control functions such as brake force distribution, traction control, the radio, drink supply, the starter and electronic functions. What is more, there are also rotary controls that help influence the engine and traction control system maps.

Furthermore, a digital display shows the information about the absolute lap times, times in track sectors, the difference to previously clocked lap times or tyre inflation pressure. It is located in the centre of the driver’s field of vision and is accompanied by alarm functions.

The two-way radio communications on the other hand make fast exchanges of important information, in order to help the driver respond quickly and influence the car’s handling by using the steering wheel functions.

Source: Audi

June 7, 2013

2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro To Compete At Le Mans 24 Hours

Le Mans 24 Hours will celebrate this year its 90th anniversary. In it the race, Audi has achieved eleven victories in 14 events. Now, the brand introduces its new model for Le Mans – namely, the 2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

It will include some important enhancements in terms of efficiency and innovative technologies. The TFSI gasoline direct injection and the TDI engine, for instance, feature VTG (Variable Turbine Geometry) turbocharger. Other highlights are quattro four-wheel drive, e-tron hybrid technology, ultra-lightweight design, and LED lighting technology.

On 22d and 23d of June, on its 15th run at Le Mans, with three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars, the brand will be competing with the goal to make another victory run. The focus on the new e-tron quarto is placed on its ultra-lightweight design, optimized aerodynamics, driver assistance systems, the matrix-beam headlight system and reliability as well as efficiency.

Source: Audi

May 10, 2013

Tag: Audi R18 e-tron quattro

Similarities: Steering wheels & Displays

Audi R8 e-tron with 462 HP