WEC: Provisional 18 Audi R2012s

Audi unveiled its R18 e-tron quattro and its 18 version R2012 TDI in Munich (photos visible here). Two models which are in fact only “provisional”. Indeed, as the photos show, the cars presented do not have the gills above the wheels as required by the 2012 regulations. In fact, the three R18 TDIs which will be at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 17 for the round opening of the world championshipEndurance will be " old generation ". But from the second stage, the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC on May 5, the cars will actually be in their 2012 version. Since last year, the car has been further lightened. The developments concern the aerodynamics, the powertrain and especially the monocoque, which will be completely new for the four cars, since designed to also be able to accommodate a hybrid system. If the two models are basically identical, it could be that a difference is visible at the level of the nose of the car, which could be slightly more prominent on the R18 e-tron quattro, to accommodate the elements of the hybrid system connected to the front axle of the car.