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Revision as of 23:23, 20 March 2006 by Bhtooefr (talk | contribs) (It's the 54th Sebring, not the 56th. ;))(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Audi R10 is a sports-racing car prepared for sports car racing in the LMP1 class of the Le Mans 24 Hours. The car was unveiled Tuesday, December 13 2005 at 12:00 CET, and should begin at the 2006 Le Mans. It has won at the 2006 12 Hours of Sebring.
It supersedes the previous Audi R8, a very successful model which won five times at Le Mans since 1999. In later years the ACO, who sets the rules for racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours, has reduced the restrictor size on the engine, and stipulated the R8 carry ballast, to make the races more competitive. In response to the new level of competition the development of a successor was necessary.
Though it bears a strong resemblance to the previous model, it is nevertheless a new design. The aerodynamic package is in compliance with the new regulations. A second rollover cage is added and the wheelbase is lengthened to accept the new, longer V12 TDI engine.
Because the main novelty is the R10's engine: a TDI turbo Diesel. It is a 5.5 L all aluminum bi-turbo 90° V12, with common rail direct injection of more than 1600 bars. Its output should be 650 hp (485 kW) (regulated) and 1100 N·m (811 ft·lbf) of torque, and its usable power band is between 3000 and 5000 rpm. Its benefits are a broad range of usable power, its high torque and economy. Two Garrett turbochargers limited by the regulations to 2.94 bars absolute breath through two 39.9 mm air intake restrictors. It uses the latest Bosch Motronic (MS14) management, 1600 bars piezo injectors, and makes a low noise for a race car.
It will be difficult for Audi to overcome the weight of this engine. The latest Audi TDI 3.0 L V6 weights 220 kg (485 lb) and the 4.2 L V8 255 kg (562 lb) but their blocks are made of CGI iron. A bigger 12 cylinder, even with an aluminum block, should be between the V8's 255 kg and 440 kg (970 lb) of two V6. This is unfavorable against the 130 kg (287 lb) of a concurrent Judd V10. The wheelbase has been increased over the R8 to account for this.
This choice emphasizes the commercial success of TDI (and its competitors) on Europe's roads. It isn't the first diesel raced at Le Mans, however. In 2004 a Lola equipped with a Caterpillar re-badged VW V10 TDI ran for a few hours before breaking its gearbox. The Volkswagen Group itself uses a specially equipped diesel race Touareg at the Paris Dakar Rally and BMW had successfully raced diesel touring cars at the Nürburgring. The R10 will compete with Peugeot's new diesel effort in 2007.
On March 18th the #2 Audi R10 won the 54th annual 12 Hours of Sebring after shattering the qualifying record for the pole. However, the #1 car did not finish due to an overheating problem.
External links
- Official Audi R10 Page, with the 13 december Paris presentation in video
- Official press release via Planetlemans.com, Tuesday, 13 December 2005, with more images
