It’s made up of a 378kW 4.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, driving the rear wheels, and a 350kW electric motor, powering the front axle. Here’s how the R18 works.Īudi uses a hybrid drivetrain in the R18 race car. If componentry can withstand more than 5000kms of abuse in one go, it stands in good stead for use in cars we drive every day. Its detailed spec information reads like science fiction, yet Audi says the weird and wonderful innovations hidden within have real-world relevance for the production cars it will build in future.Įndurance racing provides a unique proving ground for emerging technology.

The Audi R18 LMP1 is the carmaker's current World Endurance Championship contender. Only Porsche has more overall victories to its name, standing at 18 since 1970. The German brand has conquered the 13.6km Circuit de le Sarthe with 13 wins since 2000. No other manufacturer has dominated the Le Mans 24 Hour in recent times like Audi. Get under the skin of a 728kW Audi R18 LMP1 car and let your mind boggle.

Le mans prototype