Audi R18 e-tron quattro more efficient
than ever before
WEC rules represent fundamental change of
thinking in motorsport
Ingolstadt, February 17, 2014 – The changes to the
Technical Regulations of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the
2014 season can justifiably be called a revolution. For the first time, the
output of a race car is no longer subject to targeted restrictions. Instead,
limitations are imposed on energy consumption while new engineering freedoms
are allowed. This way, technical creativity will be rewarded so that the most
efficient race car may win at Le Mans
on June 15.
“The LMP sports prototype class is ideal for demonstrating Audi’s efficiency
technology in racing,” emphasizes Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi
Motorsport. “This category has systematically evolved into a class of
technological leadership. The world’s most complex race cars are developed for
it. That the efficiency targets in LMP1 racing largely match the requirements
for current and future passenger cars perfectly fits Audi’s claim and
commitment.”
Ever since the brand with the four rings entered LMP1 racing in 1999, the
efficiency of the sports prototypes from Ingolstadt
and Neckarsulm has continually improved. The major steps in the powertrain
sector included the introduction of TFSI gasoline direct injection (2001), TDI
diesel technology (2006) and e-tron quattro diesel hybrid technology (2012). In
addition, there were innumerable detailed optimizations in all other areas of
the race cars. “In 2014, though, the thinking has fundamentally changed,”
explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport.
“Traditionally, technical regulations in motorsport have been focused on
limiting engine power output – for instance though factors like cubic capacity
limits, relatively tight constraints for turbocharging systems, or through air
restrictors. By contrast, the absolute amount of fuel available for a race has
typically been unlimited, and this was the case in LMP1 racing as well. But
now, a maximum amount of energy per lap is specified. And we need to make the
best of it. By taking this step, the FIA, the ACO and all the parties involved
have managed to get a set of regulations off the ground with a straightforward
focus on efficiency while continuing to make thrilling sport and entertaining
races possible.”
In simple terms, the new regulations challenge the entrants to make the best
use of a prescribed amount of fuel on each lap in order to cover the longest
distance within a certain space of time (such as the 24-hour race duration at
Le Mans) and to thereby win. A chart shows the amount of energy allocated to
each powertrain concept. Diesel and gasoline engines are permissible.
Furthermore, for the manufacturers with factory commitments, hybrid systems are
prescribed in four different performance classes. A maximum amount of energy is
defined for each of these classes.
This results in a thrilling sporting constellation. “Only those who have
optimum control of their consumption, approach the permissible energy limit as
closely as possible, and are faster than everyone else thanks to an efficient
driving style will be competitive,” explains Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi
Sport. If the amount of energy available per lap is not fully consumed, it will
be lost, as it may not additionally be used on the subsequent lap. This is a
principal difference to the previous regulations, which did not limit
consumption in the race.
As of this year, the engineers have clearly more freedom with respect to the
solutions they can use to achieve the new goal. Audi has opted for an all-new
V6 TDI engine and the e-tron quattro drive system. In the gripping battle of
the concepts, the brand is aiming for its 13th victory at Le Mans with the R18 e-tron quattro. Photo credit:Audi Communications - Motorsport
