Audi have unveiled the 2016 Audi R18 etron quattro at the Audi Sport Finale in Munich. The R18 has received a complete redesign for the 2016 LMP1 season.
The unveil confirms Audi’s step up to the 6MJ hybrid subclass and a switch to hybrid technology. The flywheel based hybrid system has been ditched in favour of a lithium-ion battery. This will enable it to better complete with its Toyota and Porsche rivals which complete in the 6MJ and 8MJ classes respectively.
The 2016 Audi R18 e-tron quattro will continue to run a four-litter V6 turbodiesel engine although exact specifications have yet to be confirmed. A strong statement of the company’s commitment to diesel technology. It is expected to run a single, front-axle kinetic energy-retrieval system. Testing has already began at Paul Ricard with Filipe Albuquerque with further tests planned for early December at Sebring.
Audi Sport Team Joest will field two 2016 Audi R18 e-tron quattro’s during the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship and two cars in the Le Mans 24 Hours rather than the three we have become accustomed to in recent years. The World Endurance Championship gets underway on 17 April 2016 at Silverstone.
As far as the rest of the LMP1 field goes, it appears as though the Porsche 919 Hybrid will get some aerodynamic updates but not much else. Audi’s german rivals will likely field two updated 919 Hybrids. Toyota are set to unveil the TS050 Hybrid which makes a step up to 8MJ. Nissan will also field some updates although there is no clear information at the this time.
Original published at "Gts Spirit" website.
