The currently presented version of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro is a very different looking beast to its predecessor, the narrower overall structure and larger cockpit section giving the whole car a less traditionally streamlined look.
But, we are assured, the final version will look rather different from the bare carbon car on stage at Ingolstadt’s Audi Forum last night.
No news yet of the size of the V6 TDI engine at the heart of this car, but we do know that this is an all-new unit, purpose built for the 2014 version of Audi’s all-conquering LMP1.
We know too that the car has not yet been tested in its final twin hybrid form, the recent Sebring test seeing the car running only with its enhanced flywheel system in operation, the Hybrid system with an electric turbocharger in the internal combustion engine (ERS-H – Energy Recovery System Heat, a system that stores energy converted from heat) was not in operation.
Despite the reassurances from Audi that this is not the final car, there were some interesting aspects of the car that were clearly visible:
The spoiler inside the front air intake, very reminiscent of the device used in the original Audi R15
The structure at the rear of the car holding the tow hitch looks like, but is not, an exhaust, which, on this car at least, exits on the side of the engine cover though this is clearly not the final configuration!
The whole structure around the front corners is far more open than before, there is a clear view through the bodywork from rear to front
If you’re looking for a more tech-savvy analysis of the car, as always check out Mike Fuller’s excellent Mulsannes Corner – http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov13.html and look out too for the conclusions of Racecar Engineering in the days to come, their Editor Andrew Cotton was busy yesterday evening sniffing out as much technical detail as Audi were prepared to offer!
