Audi R10 TDI at the Neckarsulm AudiForum | |||||||||
Category |
Sports car racing - Le Mans Prototype LMP1 |
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Constructor | Audi AG | ||||||||
Predecessor | Audi R8 LMP | ||||||||
Successor | Audi R15 TDI | ||||||||
Technical specifications | |||||||||
Chassis | Carbon fibre monocoque | ||||||||
Suspension (front) | Double wishbone, torsion bar with separate damper, anti-roll bar | ||||||||
Suspension (rear) | Double wishbone, torsion bar with separate damper, anti-roll bar | ||||||||
Length | 4,650 mm (183 in) | ||||||||
Width | 2,000 mm (79 in) | ||||||||
Height | 1,030 mm (41 in) | ||||||||
Wheelbase | 2,980 mm (117 in) | ||||||||
Engine | Audi 5.5 L (5,500 cc; 336 cu in) V12 TDI TDI DPF twin-turbo, mid-engined, longitudinally mounted | ||||||||
Transmission | Xtrac 5-speed pneumatically paddle-actuated sequential s-tronic semi-automatic race gearbox including reverse, adjustable multi-plate limited-slip differential | ||||||||
Power | Approx. 650 hp (485 kW) @ 5000 rpm + 150 hp (112 kW) overtake assist extra powerboost @ 7000 rpm | ||||||||
Weight | 925 kg (2,039 lb) overrall including driver and helmet | ||||||||
Fuel | Shell V-Power ULG 66L/2 Diesel 20 RON/BP Diesel fuel | ||||||||
Lubricants | Shell Helix Diesel Ultra 5W-40 PurePlus Technology/Castrol | ||||||||
Competition history | |||||||||
Notable entrants |
Audi Sport Team Joest Audi Sport North America Kolles |
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Notable drivers |
Frank Biela, Marco Werner, Emanuele Pirro, Rinaldo Capello, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen, Andrew Meyrick, Charles Zwolsman, Michael Krumm, Christian Bakkerud, Christijan Albers, Narain Karthikeyan, André Lotterer |
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Debut | 2006 12 Hours of Sebring | ||||||||
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Constructors' Championships | 4 (American Le Mans 2006, 2007, 2008, Le Mans Series 2008) | ||||||||
Drivers' Championships | 4 (American Le Mans 2006, 2007, 2008, Le Mans Series 2008) |
The Audi R10 TDI, usually abbreviated to R10, is a racing car from the German car manufacturer Audi. The car is a classic at Le Mans, winning every year since its introduction until it was replaced by the R15. It is designed and constructed for sports car racing in the Le Mans Prototype LMP1 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and other similar endurance races. The car was unveiled 13 December 2005 at 12:00 CET, and went on to win both its maiden race at the 2006 12 Hours of Sebring in March, and the June 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It was the first diesel-powered car to win either of those events. This is the most ambitious and the most expensive project ever undertaken by Audi Sport; the Audi R10 TDI project cost Audi $15 million a year.
The Audi R10 TDI was built to supersede the Audi R8 race car, a proven model which had won five times at Le Mans since 2000 and earned a reputation as one of the most successful racing cars of all time. In later years the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), which sets the rules for racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours, had reduced the restrictor size on the engine, and stipulated the R8 carry ballast, to make the races more competitive. In response to the new level of competition, the development of a successor was necessary.
Though it does show a strong resemblance to the previous model, it is a new design. The aerodynamics package is in compliance with the new regulations. A second rollover hoop is added, and the wheelbase is lengthened to accept the new, longer V12 TDI TDI engine. The design and aerodynamics were developed by Audi, utilising the Fondtech wind tunnel. The monocoque is built by Audi 90% and Dallara 10%, as well with various suppliers manufacturing all the components and subassemblies. The cars are then assembled by Audi at Ingolstadt.