2015 Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro unveiled: see the Innovations
The producer has revealed the 2015 R18 e-tron Quattro which will be a member of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The new variant has to fill some big shoes considering that the model of 2014 triumphed at Le Mans. Though, the producer is sure that they will repeat the last year’s success thankfully to a more aerodynamic body. The model can be characterized with bigger air inlets in the restyled front wheel arches. Headlights have also changed its shape and now benefit from matrix LED and Audi Laserlight technologies. Moreover, see the new hood, front wing and engine cover. The monocoque has been preserved.
The automaker will present two body configurations which will satisfy different tracks of the 2015 World Endurance Championship. Besides, the producer has optimized the chassis. They collaborated with Michelin on it. The energy was doubled from 2 to 4 megajoules per race lap at Le Mans. The recovered braking energy is returned to the front axle during acceleration.
The electric engine has been modernized to 272 hp (or 200 kW). Thankfully to the encapsulated flywheel energy storage system it is possible to store 700 kilojoules. That is 17% more than in previous models.
The LMP1 prototype weighs only 1,918 lbs (or 870 kg). Now the variant consumes 2.5% less diesel per lap than in 2014. This was done specially for the new strict regulations of FIA. The TDI 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine generates 558 hp (or 410 kW). Only five engines will be offered at the time of 2015 World Endurance Championship season.
