Audi looks in the mirror.

Until now, drivers have had to rely on mirrors to see when a competitor is approaching. This may change soon: Audi's drivers at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship used a 'digital mirror'. A miniature camera facing to the rear of the prototype provides real-time images to the driver on a screen that is in the place of a conventional rear view mirror.

The camera, unlike a conventional mirror, gives sharp images even in the rain and is not sensitive to vibration. Furthermore, when a competitor approaches in the night, the image remains clear and the driver is not blinded by the bright lights. This technology was successfully tested during the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the two variations of R18, the Ultra and e-tron quattro hybrid, that will be equipped for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the third round of the Championship.

Audi was the first to develop sensors for a tyre pressure warning system, following the fatal accident of Michele Alboreto in 2001. Last year, both spectacular accidents of Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller at the 24 Hours of Le Mans illustrated the limited rear visibility. The German manufacturer has responded quickly with its research and development department.

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich Head of Audi Motorsport: "With respect to the screen and the programming we greatly benefited from the work of our colleagues at AUDI AG’s Technical Development (TE). They helped us move forward with components and knowledge. In the trial stage the racers even fully relied on an application that originated at the production side of the house. The system was initially installed in an Audi R8 in which we sent Marcel Fässler and Marco Bonanomi out to test it in road traffic. Today, the system functions perfectly in the Audi R18 LMP"

The four driver trios of Audi will have the opportunity to use this electronic mirror at Test Day 24 Hours of Le Mans on 3rd June before the race to be held on 16th and 17th June

Dave Davies (quotes from Audi Sport press release)

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Friday, 4th May, 2012, FREE PRACTICE. The camera that acts as a rear view mirror is located behind the antenna on the roof.