During the last couple of days several magazines published spy photos of the R15 testing. Today, Audi released an official high-resolution photo of the R15 from the same test. As Audi promised, the R15 features aerodynamic design that is much different from what the R10 used previously. The biggest difference is at the front which has a wide and raised nose compared to pointer one of the R10. The R15 also features LED DRL lights as seen on production Audis. As evidenced by the stickers the R15 will continue to use a TDI diesel powertrain. Rumors have called for a V10 or maybe even a V8 TDI.
Last year Audi was able to achieve victory at the famous 24 Hour of Le Mans race with the R10 which ran slower lap times than the main competitor, Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. The R15 promises to regain the performance advantage that the R10 had lost. However, it will have to do so against even more tougher competition as Acura enters P1 with the ARX-02a. The R15 will take to the track for the first time in Sebring, which promises to be one of the best endurance races of 2009 as Audi, Peugeot, and Acura race against each other in P1 for the first time.