The changes to the Technical Regulations of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2014 season can justifiably be called a revolution. For the first time, the output of a race car is no longer subject to targeted restrictions. Instead, limitations are imposed on energy consumption while new engineering freedoms are allowed. This way, technical creativity will be rewarded so that the most efficient race car may win at Le Mans on June 15.
“The LMP sports prototype class is ideal for demonstrating Audi’s efficiency technology in racing,” commented Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport.
“This category has systematically evolved into a class of technological leadership. The world’s most complex race cars are developed for it. That the efficiency targets in LMP1 racing largely match the requirements for current and future passenger cars perfectly fits Audi’s claim and commitment”, he added.
Ever since the brand with the four rings entered LMP1 racing in 1999, the efficiency of the sports prototypes from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm has continually improved. The major steps in the powertrain sector included the introduction of TFSI gasoline direct injection (2001), TDI diesel technology (2006) and e-tron quattro diesel hybrid technology (2012). In addition, there were innumerable detailed optimizations in all other areas of the race cars.
In simple terms, the new regulations challenge the entrants to make the best use of a prescribed amount of fuel on each lap in order to cover the longest distance within a certain space of time (such as the 24-hour race duration at Le Mans) and to thereby win. A chart shows the amount of energy allocated to each powertrain concept. Diesel and gasoline engines are permissible. Furthermore, for the manufacturers with factory commitments, hybrid systems are prescribed in four different performance classes. A maximum amount of energy is defined for each of these classes.
Audi has opted for an all-new V6 TDI engine and the e-tron quattro drive system. In the gripping battle of the concepts, the brand is aiming for its 13th victory at Le Mans with the R18 e-tron quattro.