Audi unveils 2016 WEC challenger

[JHF]

Audi unveils 2016 WEC challenger
The German manufacturer confirmed that the new car will continue to use diesel power - setting it apart from its petrol-powered Toyota and Porsche competitors - as part of a revamped 4-litre V6 engine.

It also revealed that the car will be entered into the 6MJ energy retrieval sub-class, up from 4MJ on this year's model, which finished runner-up to Porsche in both teams' and drivers' competitions in the WEC.

Flywheel energy storage for the hybrid system has been abandoned in favour of a lithium-ion battery solution similar to that used by sister manufacturer Porsche.

The car also features heavily revised front bodywork in a bid to maximise aerodynamic performance.

"With our new Audi R18, we’re setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI – the world’s most successful automotive efficiency technology – at Le Mans," said Audi motorsport boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

Audi also confirmed unchanged driver line-ups for the WEC, while also announcing it will scale back from three cars to just two for the Le Mans 24 Hours - along with Porsche.

Source: Motorsport.com

http://www.worldcarfans.com/1151129101525/audi-unveils-2016-wec-challenger

 

[Giannis]

It looks angry.

 

[Centurion]

The aero of these cars is just fascinating. They are effectively jet fighters on wheels. Look at the shape of the windshield!

 

[Deleted member 25]

It's one hideous face, but that livery is just mighty.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

It looks angry.

It looks more sad than angry to me.

The aerodynamics are interesting, i.e. how they integrated the side mirrors.

 

[Giannis]

The aero of these cars is just fascinating.

The aero of these cars is miles better than that of F1.

They get to cover their wheels and they are not limited with the shape of the rest of the body.

The aero of these cars is a masterpiece.

 

[Centurion]

The aero of these cars is miles better than that of F1.

They get to cover their wheels and they are not limited with the shape of the rest of the body.

The aero of these cars is a masterpiece.

F1 will likely be boring next year and I'm not optimistic about 2017 regulation changes. This year I have been curious about WEC but haven't gone around to watching a race yet. I'll make more effort next year.

 

[Monster]

The aerodynamics are interesting, i.e. how they integrated the side mirrors.

That is straight from F1 cars back in 2009 to 2010. In fact you can see a lot of F1 influence on the Audi, such as the ultra high nose, ultra tight packaging just behind the cockpit, and integrated exhaust just above the rear diffuser.

 

[KiwiRob]

Since it's a new car it should have a new name, R20 at least.

 

[Z4ever]

I'm just glad they have kept the TDI engine!

 

[Porsche Guy]

A face only a mother could love but it's function over fashion. Not that I would be complaining if WEC cars looked more like this...

 

[KiwiRob]

The Jag render looks like an enclosed F1 car.

 

[Z4ever]

I wasn't being ironic about feeling glad with the fact of Audi is still investing in diesel technology in motorsport and I'm eager to know what innovations they are bringing to the table. In my view, it's definitely the best way to positively answer to the 'dieselgate' scandal.

I truly believe in the diesel technology although I understand it's faced with higher system costs to meet advanced emissions requirements.

And, I bet that the new Audi R18 TDI will beat Porsche to win Le Mans this year. The VW Group needs this, it's the best corporate decision they can make to save theirs and the diesel's image, outside the specific problems they have to deal with within the 'dieselgate' scandal.

 

[Giannis]

what innovations they are bringing to the table.

The "clean diesel" campaign will be substituted with the "performance diesel" one.

 

[Z4ever]

 

[Z4ever]

Yeah! However I can see Audi building a lightweight enough chassis in order for them to be able to add the extra weight of an urea full deposit (24H racing worthwhile) and still being within the minimum weight allowed by the rules!!!

It's all that it takes, and these are cost no object competition cars.

Or, alternatively, when refueling or changing tires they can also refill the urea content... I can imagine a lot of german beer drinking in Audi's boxes celebrating the Le Mans victory even before the finishing line...

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Article detailing some of the aero stuff on this car...
http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov15.html

 

[JHF]

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