Audi sport

For the first time, Audi took part in Lehmann daily marathon in 1999, but works on the open prototype began in 1997. Engineering part in the creation of the car Audi R8R, which was shown in 1998, was entrusted to engineer Tony Southgate and construction – to the company Dallara. The car was equipped with biturbocharged engine V8 3.6, from which they got 600 forces. The racing debut in 1999 at the 12-hour marathon of Sebring: two cars gained third and fifth place respectively. A ring on Sarthe in 1999 Audi R8R made even better: the third and fourth place. By the way, about the same time with the open one a closed prototype of Audi R8C has being designed. The chief engineer of the Racing Technologies Norfolk Elray Peter, who created the Bentley Speed 8 was in charge for the result. By the way, the two built R8C cars managed to take part only in the 24-hour race at Le Manev 1999. There were 29 th and 43 th place as the result.

In 2000 racing Audi R8 saw the light – one of the most successful cars in the history of the race at Le Mans. Outdoor prototype won on the ring Sarthe five times: in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005. A competing American Le Mans Series – seven times! Can’t wait to see what was hidden under the composite body? At the heart of the machine lied a monocoque made of carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb sheet. Suspension is double wishbone one type pushrod on loop and custom shock absorbers. At the base biturboeight’ 3.6 FSI (520-610 hp) was installed with the camber of the cylinders by 90 degrees, paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox Ricardo.

By the way, in spite of a successful racing career Audi R8, a tragic accident was connected with it: because of the tire explosion during the test on the track Lauzitsring (EuroSpeedway Lausitz now) the former Formula 1 driver Michele Alboreto smashed to death.

The new prototype Audi R10, which debuted in 2006 have been done by the Audi engineers together with specialists from the firm Dallara. And it was a real revolution: instead of a gasoline engine V8 3.6 FSI Germans placed within the base diesel V12 TDI volume of 5.5 liters. Engineering marvel (weight – 200 kg) sported twin turbochargers Garrett, has made 650 “horses” and 1100 Newton meters. Thrust transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox S tronic, which was equipped with three-disk clutch carbon-fiber clutch Sandtler. Composite body length of 4650 mm, the carbon fiber monocoque, double wishbone suspension, Brembo brakes and forged wheels OZ – just such a vehicle with a curb weight of 925 kg won at Le Mans in 2006, 2007 and 2008.