Audi officially unveils its 18 R2014

With the arrival of Porsche en WEC this season, Audi will find a second major opponent on its way in addition to Toyota. To counter the future 919 Hybrid and the Japanese LMP1, Ingolstadt has officially lifted the veil on the 2014 version of its R18 e-tron quattro. 100% new, the German LMP1 notably features a second energy recovery system, and claims fuel savings of around 30%.
Yesterday evening, Dr Ullrich, boss of Audi Motorsport and Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, member in particular of Audi Technical Development since this year, also presented one of the new features of the 2014 version of the prototype winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans 2013: laser lighting. “This is a new milestone for Audi at Le Mans. » Hackenberg explains. ?Laser lighting will also open up new possibilities for our production models in the future. Once again, motorsport at Audi is accelerating new technical development for our customers. »

?Laser lighting is one of the many technical innovations presented on our new R18s. » continues Dr. Ullrich. “In 2014 we will face tough competition. It's a year full of challenges ahead for Audi Sport. »

The German firm will enter two 18 R2014s in the FIA ​​WEC, and three cars for the 24 hours of Le Mans. If we already know that the Fässler crew? Lotter? Tréluyer and that composed of Kristensen? Duval will be there, no driver has been confirmed to replace the newly retired Allan McNish. The Scotsman was celebrated last night, and should remain in the Audi management. Lucas di Grassi could take his place in No. 1, but nothing has been made official.

The Audi Sport Finale was also an opportunity to celebrate Dr. Ullrich's twenty years at the head of the sports branch of the firm with the rings. Since his arrival, Audi has won 12 times in Sarthe. The sports department will also move to new premises based in Neuburg from summer 2014.