Audi's R18 TDI Gets Connected

Audi's Le Mans challenger, the R18 TDI, despite its clear racing pedigree and appeal for high speeds and endurance races, has more in common with your everyday Audi that you might think. In particular, most of the technologies that have been developed by Audi under the connect name are featured into the racer as well even if, probably, the drivers of the R18 won't need to use Google Maps while circling the Le Mans track.

However, the drivers will need to keep in touch with the crew at the pits, and the best way to do that is to use the connect features. According to the German manufacturer, no less than 1,005 data channels link the TDI to the pits, showing everything and anything from the pressure in the tires to important vehicle functions.

“Since the introduction of this technology, tire failures due to pressure loss and subsequent potential accidents, have been completely avoided,” said Joachim Hausner, head of Complete Vehicle at Audi Sport.

According to Audi, the new model which is hoped to continue the reign of one of the most prolific producers racing in the Le Mans series, V6 engine produces more than 540 bhp. It is paired to a new six-speed gearbox.

The innovation on the new prototype is the single turbocharger that “sits above the engine and draws its air directly through the air scoop mounted on the roof.” By using it, Audi managed to the make the new machine be 25 percent lighter than the V10 TDI previously used in the R15 TDI predecessor.