Audi R18 ultra - Evolution and innovation
At first glance the Audi R18 ultra does not look much different to the Le Mans winning R18 TDI from 2011. However, the Audi Sport engineers have left hardly a single area of the car untouched. More specifically, the focus of attention was the subject of ultra lightweight design and construction. As a consequence, the Audi R18 ultra is the lightest Le Mans Prototype ever built by Audi Sport. Ballast weight, which can be positioned as required, brings the car to the minimum weight of 900 kilograms as stipulated by the regulations.
The new gearbox with carbon-fiber composite casing is innovative in the Audi R18 ultra – a premiere in endurance racing. The electromechanical steering, which gives the drivers even better feedback and feeling, is also completely new.
The aerodynamics had to be adapted to suit the new regulations, visible now due to the mandatory openings above the wheel arches.
The V6 TDI engine was completely reworked in order to achieve the seven per cent reduction in engine power stipulated by the rules. The intake air restrictors were reduced in size (45.8 instead of 47.4 mm diameter) and the maximum turbo boost pressure reduced (2.8 now instead of 3.0 bar). The fuel tank also had to be smaller. It now has a capacity of only 60 instead of 65 liters.
Technical data Audi R18 ultra (2012)
Version: February 2012
Car
| Car type | Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) |
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| Monocoque | Carbon-fiber composite with aluminum honeycomb, tested according to the strict FIA crash and safety standards |
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| Battery | Lithium ion batteries |
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Engine
| Motor | Turbocharged 120° V6, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 1 Garrett turbocharger, mandatory intake air restrictor of 1 x 45.8 mm diameter and turbo boost pressure limited to 2.8 bar absolute, diesel direct injection TDI, Fully stressed aluminum cylinder block, diesel particle filter |
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| Engine management | Bosch MS24 |
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| Engine lubrication | Dry sump, Castrol |
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| Displacement | 3.700 cc |
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| Power | Over 375 kW / 510 hp |
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| Torque | Over 850 Nm |
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Drive / transmission
| Type of drive | Rear wheel drive, traction control (ASR) |
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| Clutch | Carbon clutch |
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| Gearbox | Sequential, electrically activated 6-speed racing gearbox |
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| Differential | Limited-slip rear differential |
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| Gearbox housing | Carbon-fiber composite with titanium inserts |
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| Driveshafts | Constant velocity sliding tripod universal joints |
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Suspension / steering / brakes
| Steering | Electrical assisted rack and pinion steering |
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| Suspension | Front and rear double wishbone independent suspension, front pushrod system and rear pull rod system with adjustable dampers |
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| Brakes | Hydraulic dual circuit brake system, monobloc light alloy brake calipers, ventilated carbon disc brakes front and rear, infinitely manually adjustable front and rear brake balance |
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| Wheels | O.Z. magnesium forged wheels |
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| Tires | Michelin Radial,
Front: 360/710-18, rear: 370/710-18 |
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Weight / dimensions
| Length | 4.650 mm |
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| Width | 2.000 mm |
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| Height | 1.030 mm |
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| Minimum weight | 900 kg |
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| Fuel tank capacity | 60 liters |
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