Audi presents its new R15 TDI

Audi unveiled this Monday its Audi R15 TDI “Plus”, the 2010 evolution of the car that was released for the 2009 season.Endurance. After a victory for its first outing, at Sebring, the Audi R15 TDI then failed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans face Peugeot , before the Ingolstadt firm decided to thoroughly review the characteristics of its car.

A first step had been taken before Petit Le Mans 2009, Audi continuing its work to be ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010, notably awaiting the release of the final regulations for the Le Mans series for the 2010 season. Less than four weeks away of the 8 Hours of Le Castellet, Audi therefore unveiled the car in its new configuration. Clearly, it is no longer the same. Everything has been revised, starting with the front wing, the most visible part when discovering the car, which has surprising edges, a very different solution than that used on other LMP1s and in particular its great rival, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP.

This first overview well summarizes the work undertaken by Audi in 2009. The Ingolstadt firm wanted to give more importance to the aerodynamic solutions of the R15. “ This year, Le Mans regulations lead to narrower air flanges and lower boost pressure for diesel-powered cars, explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Motorsport. Due to changes in regulations, the reduction in engine power led us to improve the aerodynamics of the car, to make it more efficient in terms of downforce. »

Front spoiler, cooling system, fuel tank and even engine, Audi has revised everything. The V10 TDI engine has been optimized to better meet the new regulations. “ Our goal is to lose a minimum of power despite the restrictions imposed by the regulations, explains Ulrich Baretzky, in charge of engines at Audi Motorsport. We achieved this through precision work. » Thus, the 5.5 liter engine continues to develop 440 horsepower.

« After Le Mans 2009, our specifications for the R15 contained around 20 areas of improvement », continues Martin Mülmeier. “ Efficiency and reliability were at the top of the list, but we also focused on other details, such as improving runway lighting in night conditions. We have thus responded to the requirements of pilots with an innovative concept in terms of headlights. »

Audi completed testing in Germany on March 3, before sending the Audi R15 TDI for two weeks of testing in the United States. Although the Ingolstadt firm will not be present at the start of the 12 Hours of Sebring, it will continue its development program by taking part in the 8 Hours of Le Castellet (April 9-11) as well as the 1000 km of Spa-Francorchamps (7 -May 9). With the sole objective of being ready for the most important race of the year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 9-13).