Audi's weight saving programme

Audi regularly emphasizes the close relationship between motor racing and road cars. Vehicle weight reduction is an additional aspect of the synergies between the two vehicle types, as shown by the new range of road cars of the German manufacturer and the arrival of the lightweight R18 ultra and the hybrid R18 e-tron quattro diesel powered prototypes.

Audi reached below the 900 kg specified in regulations for the LMP1 class in order to use ballast to the right place, an additional step was to be achieved to integrate the extra weight of the hybrid system. Audi has been on the hunt for weight saving on each component. Some gains are measured in grams, others need innovations like the lightweight transmission.

The use of carbon fibre for the gearbox, for the first time in endurance racing, helped to make the hybrid prototype competitive despite the additional weight of the hybrid system. It was necessary to integrate the energy recovery system with the conventional R18 Ultra engine. "On the other hand, compromises in terms of safety are totally out of the question in the search for weight savings," explains Dr. Ullrich. “The high-strength carbon fibre monocoque of the Audi R18 TDI helped Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller survive two serious accidents at Le Mans unharmed last year. “

The gamble seems successful in terms of performance as seen at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the hybrid car proved as fast as the sister car, or even faster in the rain. The R18 e-tron quattro was competitive even at the very start of its racing career.

Dave Davies (quote from Audi Sport press release)

Photo: FRANCORCHAMPS (LIEGE, BELGIUM), SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS CIRCUIT, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Saturday, May 5, 2012. Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 and #2 were fast in the rain at Spa.