Audi has released initial details on its brand-new 2014-generation Audi R18 e-tron quattro LMP1 Le Mans model racer. Although the brand-new diesel hybrid sports car looks like a continuous more advancement of the Globe Champion succeeding car and Le Mans champion of the past 2 years, due to the brand-new LMP1 laws that will certainly reach result in 2014, Audi Sporting activity redeveloped every part.

In the new Technical Regulations which concern the powertrain, body measurements, protection and aerodynamics, were re-determined. With the new R18, Audi Sport has actually opted for a comparable principle as in the past– albeit with brand-new detailed options and an extra hybrid system. Powertrain elements feature:.

• A further industrialized V6 TDI mid-engine energies the back tires
• e-tron quattro hybrid device at the front axle (ERS-K– Energy Recuperation System Kinetic, a system to establishment kinetic electricity)
• Enhanced flywheel energy storage device
• Hybrid system with an energy turbocharger in the internal burning engine (ERS-H– Electricity Recovery System Warmth, a device that shops energy converted from warmth)

The further developed V6 TDI product of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro makes a vital supplement to the automobile’s conformity with the energy specs of the regulations. The brand-new R18 concerns around 30 % much less fuel than its prompt predecessor.

In addition to the inner combustion engine, the powertrain principle, for the very first time, includes the integration of two hybrid systems: ERS-K and ERS-H.

• ERS-K. As previously, throughout braking events at the front axle a Motor-Generator-Unit (MGU) recuperates kinetic power flows with a flywheel energy storage space system.
• ERS-H. For the very first time, the engine’s turbocharger is associateded with an electric machine, which makes it possible to change the thermal electricity of the exhaust gas circulation with electric electricity– e.g., when the boost stress restriction has actually been gotten to. This electricity also flows into the flywheel electricity storage space device. When the auto accelerates, the saved power can either ebb to the MGU at the front axle or to the ingenious energy turbocharger, depending on the operating approach.

The total layout of these systems and their direct influence on engine and powertrain administration call for extremely intricate sychronisation and tuning job. Audi Sport initially did theoretical analyses and likeness, complied with by rig screening and, since October, by track examinations. The choices available to the motorists and designers as an outcome of the new innovation are now much more substantial than ever before.

Aerodynamics. The new structure conditions for aerodynamics make it possible for new flexibilities, however accompanied by greater stipulations. As an example, the 10 centimeter slimmer physical body of the new LMP1 sports car implies that the front of the R18 ends up being mathematically smaller sized– an advantage. The bodywork suits slimmer tires, which, then, lessens aerodynamic burden. This is contrasted by various other developments that do not provide any sort of benefits in aerodynamics.

At 1,050 millimeters, the race automobile has to be 20 millimeters higher than before, and bigger cockpit dimensions are recommended as well. This causes much less favorable aerodynamics.

The lesser overall width of the auto cause a slimmer underfloor. Furthermore, it includes a totally different form in the area of the intermediaries for the front wheels. Consequently, the area that could create downforce lessens.

Instead of a diffusor at the front en, an authentic front wing with a flap might be utilized for the initial time. This assures wind resistant advantages and reduced expenses, as this part of the bodywork will certainly lend itself to simpler modification to fit the various race course. In the past, it was necessary to create different bodywork assemblies.

On the various other hand, better limitations have actually been imposed on the aerody.namic design freedoms at the rear end. Use of the exhaust gas in the area of the rear diffusor, as in the case of the 2013-generation Audi R18 e-tron quattro, is now prohibited.

Safety

Even in the past, LMP1 sports cars with their closed CFRP cockpit structure were regarded as one of the safest race car categories. The rule-makers have continued to improve the safety of the latest race car generation by imposing numerous discrete requirements.

The new monocoque has to resist higher loads. At the same time, it is reinforced by additional layers of fabric, which are hard to penetrate in the case of a concentrated impact. This reduces the risk of intrusion by pointed objects in accidents.

For the first time, wheel tethers are prescribed. They connect the outer assemblies of the front wheel suspensions with the monocoque and the ones of the rear suspensions with the chassis structure. Each of the two tethers required per wheel can withstand forces of 90 kN, which equates to a weight force of nine metric tons. Another new feature is a CFRP structure behind the transmission—the “crasher”—which absorbs energy in a collision.

This is another example of the considerable challenges faced by the Audi engineers, as all these innovations increase weight, in addition to the second hybrid system. Audi’s previous Le Mans prototype weighed 915 kilograms (2,017 lbs). In the future the car’s weight may be reduced to 870 kilograms (1,918 lbs).

The basic elements of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro’s new configuration were defined back in 2012 and the design of all the single components started at the end of 2012. The new LMP1 sports car was rolled out in the early fall of 2013, followed by track tests of the most recent R18.