Photo : Bertrand COUSSEAU - ACO/Nikon

On the 90th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has selected thirty historic cars grouped into three per decade, all up for public vote by race fans. To participate, click HERE and choose one per decade. The vote is open until the 15th of January 2013. Each of the thirty cars will have a short introduction. Today it is the Audi R10 TDI that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006.

After entrusting the R8 to private teams the previous year, Audi was back under its own colours in 2006 with two new R10 TDI. Still faithful to the philosophy of the open prototype, Audi returned with a sleek and elegant design. But it was under the engine cover where the real revolution was to be found. The letters 'TDI' indicating the use of a turbocharged diesel engine. In the race, Audi entered the history by taking diesel technology to the top step of the podium of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time. The two R10 TDI finished on the podium, with the first and third places. Since 18th June 2006, all winners in La Sarthe have been powered by a diesel engine with six Audi and one Peugeot victory.

Year : 74th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (17 & 18 June 2006)
Number of cars entered : Two
Informations techniques :
Engine  5.4 litre V12 turbo diesel 
Drivers :
Dindo Capello-Tom Kristensen-Allan McNish (n°7)
Frank Biela-Emanuele Pirro-Marco Werner (n°8)
Results :
1st (Frank Biela-Emanuele Pirro-Marco Werner)
3rd (Dindo Capello-Tom Kristensen-Allan McNish)