The Audi R18 was the first LM P1 prototype to be unveiled a few days before the World Endurance Championship (WEC) Prologue, which kicked off this morning at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France.

As it attempts to close the gap on rival Porsche, Audi has significantly reassessed its strategy and the 2016 version of its illustrious R18 has very little in common with its predecessor.

The biggest change made by Dr Ullrich and his team is a full overhaul of the car’s hybrid system. The flywheel energy storage system has made way for a lithium-ion battery that will accumulate energy. The Audi R18 has also moved up to the 6 MJ class. A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) is fitted to the front axle and recovers energy under braking to store it in the batteries. The hybrid system (able to supply up to 476 hp) is paired with the 4.0-litre V6 engine (slightly less powerful than last year with output of 514 hp versus 558 hp in 2015) to power the R18 and give the prototype total output exceeding 1,000 hp.

On the chassis, the front and rear suspension kinematics have been substantially modified while the transmission now comprises a six-speed instead of the previous seven-speed unit. The aerodynamics have also been optimised to improve downforce and reduce drag. One of the two cars that will compete in the World Endurance Championship is present for testing at Le Castellet with the marque’s flagship team, Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoit Tréluyer.
 

ACO | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth