AUDI R18 e-tron quattro
2012
AUDI R18 e-tron quattro
2012 - 2nd 24hLe Mans / #2 - T. Kristensen, R. Capello, A. McNish
CA38b
The Audi R 18 Ultra is a Le Mans Prototype racing car.It was the evolution of the successful R18 TDI, and was designed in year 2012 hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship. It’s the same car as the R 18 e-tron, but without hybrid drive. The chassis is a carbon fiber monocoque, a very light and yet very safe design. The gearbox is a 6 speed electrically actuated unit, with ample use of carbon composite parts. All front and rear lights are made with LED, with a very distinctive tall lights design around the rear wing. The diesel engine is an evolution from the previous years’ 6 cylinder 120° middle of the motor’s V, right under the rear fin of the car. Maximum power is estimated at 550. Audi entered the 24 well as two R18-etron.C ar No.4, Jarvis and Mike Rockenfeller, reached the finish line in third position.
Year 2012 marked the first victory of a diesel-hybrid car with four-wheel drive in the 24h of Le Mans, as well as the second laurel in a row for André Lotterer, Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer. Audi evolved the R18 and R18 e-tron starting from the successful R18 TDI, whose aerodynamic lines and TDI V6 engine bear a close resemblance to those of their successor. The main competitor for this race was Toyota’s highly anticipated TS030, a gasoline-hybrid racer with four wheel drive. Despite leading briefly the race, a series of technical failures and accidents eliminated both Japanese cars from the race. The 2012 podium consisted entirely of Audi entries, with the second R18 e-tron and one R18 ULTRA in 2nd and 3rd place.