Audi unveil new car

Date published : 11 Dec 2010 - 20:01:01

Audi have entered new territory with the unveiling of their latest sportscar they hope will see them continue to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The R18 marks the first time the factory Audi team has developed a 'closed' cockpit car, as bitter rivals Peugeot have used since they returned to sportscar racing in 2007.

Since first competing in Le Mans in 1999 Audi have racked up nine wins in 12 attempts, and for the third time this year the German manufacturing giant achieved its third one-two-three finish.

Other new developments on the car include a smaller engine, a 3.7-litre V6, as the rulemakers have sought a substantial reduction in power, a six-speed transmission and identically-sized front and rear wheels to allow a more balanced weight distribution.

The R18's racing debut is planned for the Spa-Francorchamps Six Hours on May 8 following a Le Mans test session on April 24 ahead of the event itself on June 11-12.

Commenting on the new design, Allan McNish said: "I tested the R18 for the first time at the end of last month, which was essentially the coupe's initial roll-out combined with its maiden test.

"After racing an 'open' Audi sportscar since 2000, it was a renewed experience for me to again drive a sportscar with a roof.

"Audi has done a great job with the design - the front certainly looks very aggressive - and I'm sure we have a contender for race honours."