The new R18 TDI will, like its R15 TDI predecessor, compete in the LMP1 class and it does run on diesel. But there are a couple of significant differences compared to the old car.
Firstly, the R18 is a closed coupé. This change in configuration has come about because Audi believes that, compared to an open-cockpit car, benefits from improved aerodynamics will outweigh any time lost through slower driver change-overs.
Secondly, the 5.5 litre V10 engine of the R15 has been dropped in favour of a 3.7 litre V6, which is coupled to a specially modified six-speed transmission. Such a radical down-sizing is due to revised regulations that are being introduced for the 2011 season. Their purpose is to erode the recent dominance of diesel-powered cars at Le Mans, with the last petrol car to take overall victory in the French 24 hours race being an Audi R8 back in 2005.
Although the R18 completed its first test runs last month, a competition debut is not scheduled until next May’s Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours. The Belgian event is the second round of the expanded-for-2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which will comprise seven races including the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time.
Audi Sport Team Joest will be contending all rounds of the ILMC, although for the series-opener at Sebring in March it will be using a pair of R15 ‘plus plus’ cars.
| Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Event | Country | Date |
| 1 | Sebring 12 Hours | USA | 19th March |
| 2 | Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours | Belgium | 8th May |
| 3 | Le Mans 24 Hours | France | 11th - 12th June |
| 4 | Imola 6 Hours | Italy | 3rd July |
| 5 | Silverstone 6 Hours | UK | 11th September |
| 6 | Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta) | USA | 1st October |
| 7 | (Circuit TBC) 6 Hours | China | 12th November |
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