Audi Releases First Photo of R15 Le Mans Racer

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.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/14/2009 12:54:46 AM

+2 Boost

Looks awesome. Really futuristic--a leap forward from the R10 where it was only a slow evolution from the R8.

chewy - 2/14/2009 6:15:19 PM

+2 Boost

the FSI to TDI transition was quite immense there, but that was hidden behind the covers. This time it's the opposite, similar engine but different aero.

veyron1001 - 2/14/2009 1:13:40 AM

+2 Boost

I bet passing would be a nightmare with the fenders that high.

Zurbert82 - 2/14/2009 2:07:20 AM

+3 Boost

Why would a car with the same fender height as all the other cars in its class (LMP1) have any more trouble passing?

ThierryHenry14 - 2/14/2009 11:55:01 AM

+4 Boost

nice

VISO - 2/15/2009 12:27:01 AM

+2 Boost

Let's bring on win number 9 at Le Mans.

DieselRules - 2/16/2009 12:02:15 AM

+2 Boost

Impressive.
Audi rules the most grueling high-speed race with diesel power.
And now VW wins the best-known off-road endurance rally (Dakar) with a race Touareg with a 5-cyl. Audi Turbo diesel.

The big question is: Why aren't they capitalizing on this impressive publicity by selling diesels in North America???
That new A4 All-road should come with the 2.0-TDI like in the Jetta, but with the bigger turbo and more power like the Audi TT TDI in England.
I think it would sell like crazy in BC & Colorado and other areas with hills and snow ...

chewy - 2/16/2009 8:51:32 PM

+1 Boost

VISO pointed out many reasons why TDI diesels are just entering the US market.

The Jetta TDI has been on sale since last fall. The Q7 V6 TDI goes on sale in a couple of months, A3 TDI goes on sale towards the end of this year.

VISO - 2/16/2009 12:12:40 PM

+1 Boost

Diesel Rules, the problem with selling diesel in the North American market is more about the cultural barriers that Americans have regarding diesels in general. It is not just Audi that faces this marketing issue here. Plus, diesel costs more per gallon than does gasoline although diesel pays off in the long run due to better per gallon figures. Furthermore, Americans have been brainwashed regarding hybrids just look at the Hollywood smucks that thing they are cool being seen in them. What a joke! We know the German diesels are highle efficient, produce lower CO2 emmissions, and are very clean and actually get better gas milage than hybrids in many regards. Not to mention are easier to maintain and cost less over the life of the car. But here is a culture that things Lexus is an ACTUAL premium brand. So, what do you expect?