The Audi R15 “plus” TDI victorious at 2010 Le Mans
“As far as Audi is concerned, the LMP1 is better than Formula 1 because this motorsport category involves technologies and developments that are relevant to series production,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “The most important thing at Le Mans is efficiency. That’s precisely what is in greatest demand in production vehicles these days, and this is also one of Audi’s main strengths.”
The Audi R15 TDI was first put through its paces at the Audi proving ground in Neustadt at the beginning of March 2010, before being taken to the USA to undergo testing, especially in relation to its aerodynamics. This was followed by a five-day endurance test at Sebring, in which the vehicle completed approximately 5,500 kilometres without any noteworthy technical problems.
Fully prepared the car then went to Le Mans to recapture Audi’s crown. The rest, as they say, is history…
Even more efficient
Efficiency – especially in relation to aerodynamics – was therefore a key focal point when the R15 TDI was being further developed. “2010's Le Mans regulations prescribed smaller air restrictors and lower manifold pressure,” says Audi Sport’s Head of Technology, Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. “As the regulations resulted in reduced engine performance, we endeavoured to make the aerodynamics even more efficient and improve the drag coefficient and downforce values.”
The entire shape of the bodywork had been reworked with maximum efficiency in mind. The engine had been optimized to cater for the smaller air restrictors and the reduced manifold pressure. “We aimed to keep the loss of power to a bare minimum, in spite of the curtailments introduced by the new regulations,” explains Audi Sport’s Head of Engine Development, Ulrich Baretzky. “And we achieved this with a lot of work on details.” The 5.5-litre diesel engine still generated more than 600PS and 1,000Nm of torque which is to the rear wheels by a pneumatically operated five-speed gearbox.
Innovative approaches
“There were about 20 important points on our specification sheet for the ‘R15 plus’ after Le Mans 2009,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. “Most of them concerned issues of efficiency and reliability, but there were also details such as a request from the drivers for better night-time illumination of the racetracks. And we met this request with a new headlamp concept.”
The new generation of the Audi R15 TDI was equipped with a highly efficient electrical system. A lithium-ion battery and LED headlamps delivered an excellent light yield without adding excessive weight to the vehicle.
