At first sight, apart and its white and silver livery, the R18 e-tron is not outwardly different to its close relation, the Le Mans winning R18 TDI of 2011. But it is not the practice of the German marque to change the name of a car without significantly changing the base model. Thus, it took less than a year working with engineers from Ingolstadt to accomplish the feat.

All the vital parts that make up the prototype were been completely redesigned to save weight. Several important changes were made to the engine, the fuel volume, transmission, aerodynamics, nothing was left to chance. The R18 e-tron quattro hybrid meets the 900 kilo limit set by the regulations governing the LM P1 class. It is the first Audi prototype equipped with a hybrid system, coupled to a diesel engine. Installed on the front wheels, it recovers energy during braking then the returns it on acceleration, above 120 km/h. The interior has also been optimized by engineers. The visibility of the instruments and controls was completely reworked.

In this video, see the history of the quattro system developed by Audi, which has equipped generations of racing cars since 1981.

In 2012 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the two Audi R18 e-tron quattros finished in first and second place. This year Audi faces other competitors, also determined to finish the race in the lead. Can the Toyota TS030 Hybrid dethrone the Audi prototypes? To find out, come to Le Mans circuit on the 22nd and 23rd June.

For more clips go to www.lemans-tv.com

Thierry Arman – ACO