Quote:
Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel
A quick comparison highlighting that the perspective of the picture of the 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro is misleading and that the cockpit width of the new car remains substantially similar to that of the old one:
One thing for sure, the air intake on the roof is massively larger than on the previous R18 iteration. Strangely, the front fenders and BHH also appear to be wider... |
I think the first above photo is even much more distorted, Mulsanne's Corner comparative may be much closer to reality
http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov13.html
* The all front section between the wheel hubs is *notoriously* narrower (including cockpit)... now resembles a 'duck beak' as was used in F1... smaller MGU in front ?
* The top engine air intake seems notoriously of higher surface section, inspite not being "ovaleted" on top as before... *more* engine ? ... then makes suspect "diesel"
ummm... perhaps Audi is going for < 2 MJ/Lap with more engine to compensate, relying on the huge potential of ERS in the recuperation mode (which has no limit) to run the all engine ancillaries by electric means(permitted by rules, with no limits either)... can't think of anything more efficient for an ICE, specially diesel that has more internal friction, more parasitic torques due to much higher compression ratios ( and so efficiency of combustion)....
A speculation alright, but i'd love to see it, with fine detail refinement on the aerodynamic front, it would be build for speed... efficient high speeds... La Sarthe and other fast circuits would still be priority.