Audi LMP1 Discussion

[Maelochs]

I think Audi went with AWD because they wanted AWD-0--they assumed it would be an advantage on most tracks, and weren't expecting to be beat out of so many slow corners.

When the R18 was designed the only opponent was Peugeot, whose Hybrid was also AWD.

I am not sure if it was also easier to balance the car with the front wheels carrying the extra motors as opposed to the rear, but if Toyota could do it I have to think Audi could have also.

I f I were not busy and lazy i would look up some real info but for now---I don't recall anything but AWD being a factor.

[rich07]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Yeah 2013 could finally be Audi's year.

[TF110]

Peugeots hybrid was rwd fyi. Audi hasnt beat them outside lemans in how long? Maybe its more theyre lemans specialists compared to other venues.

[Subaru_WRX_STi]

Interview with Ulrich Baretzky

http://audi-motorsport-blog.blogspot...y-head-of.html

[Maelochs]

"Peugeots hybrid was rwd fyi."

Yeah I went back and looked it up, and I got it wrong. TY for pointing that out.

[gwyllion]

Mike has revised his analysis. He now thinks that the updates are only minor, so probably no fundamental change (i.e., rear hybrid):

Meh, maybe not so much. A sympathetic insider at Audi indicates that the central blend (1) has been on the car all season, it's just highlighted here because of the bare carbon. We're so used to seeing the white livery which blanches out the details in this area...The blister (2) has been revised, but only slightly. And the leading edge of the rear fender (4) is unchanged. So let me just walk back on nearly everything...no word on if my observation regarding (3) is correct.

source: http://www.mulsannescorner.com/newsnov12.html

recent Spa test:

Sebring winter test:

[gwyllion]

Two pictures from the R18 V6 TDI engine taken at MotorSport World Expo 2012:


source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neuwies...7632008402655/

[TF110]

510PS? How conservative of them! What degree of an angle is the engine at?

[gwyllion]

Engine: Turbocharged 120° V6, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC, 1 Garrett turbocharger, mandatory intake air restrictor of 1 x 45.8 mm diameter and turbo boost pressure limited to 2.8 bar absolute, diesel direct injection TDI, fully stressed aluminum cylinder block, diesel particle filter

source: http://www.joest-racing.de/en/index....e-tron-quattro

[TF110]

Figured from how wide apart the cylinders look itd be over 100 degrees.

[gwyllion]

Audi is working with Michelin to solve its tyre wear issues.

The AUDI R18 e-tron quattro is a highly innovative car which evolved considerably in the course of 2012. This is why Michelin, in agreement with Audi, has decided to develop new tyres for the season ahead. In Spain, Michelin and Audi are working together to improve both consistency and longevity of the tyres with a view to enabling one set to complete two stints, even at the championship's twistier venues.

source: http://endurance-info.com/version2/n...cus-14539.html

[chernaudi]

Since it's now questionable that Audi is running a RWD hybrid system, I wonder what improvements that they can get with the FWD system, since it seems that the rules have hindered more than helped. That is unless there's gonna be rule changes to lower the R18's minimum speed or all hybrids are gonna be held to a min. activation speed to help out the private teams.

[TF110]

That won't happen. The 120kmh rule is written in the rules so it won't change. And rightfully so IMO. 4wd is banned, part time 4wd has to have it's limitations. That's only fair. With the cornering speeds of these cars it isn't long before 120kmh is reached anyway. The main issue was tire wear, if they fix that Audi should be good to go. Still wonder what aero changes we'll see at the front of the car if they use a double endplate rear wing.

[Dead-Eye]

Originally Posted by TF110

That won't happen. The 120kmh rule is written in the rules so it won't change. And rightfully so IMO. 4wd is banned, part time 4wd has to have it's limitations. That's only fair.

What bothers me is that it's arbitrary. There is no particular reason why it has to be exactly 120 kph. That's why I'd rather see them either ban it or let it be used freely - and remove all limits on how much energy can be deployed by hybrid devices while they're at it.

[TF110]

It was agreed upon by the companies using hybrids. Peugeot and Audi both. That's why the 120kmh rule is there, it's for 'equalization'. Same with the 500kj! But now Peugeot isn't even racing.

[gwyllion]

Audi brought 3 test cars to the Michelin test:

Audi was represented by Benoît Tréluyer, Loïc Duval, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Oliver Jarvis who took turns in three hybrid prototypes. Like every year, Michelin prepares a broad selection of new products from which its LMP1 partners choose the ones they want to make up their individual ranges for the season ahead. Although not present at Aragon, Toyota will also get a chance to choose from the same basic selection.

source: http://lemanslive.com/Lemanslive/New...tests-in-Spain

[The Badger]

With Bernhard and Dumas racing for Manthey , looks like Audi will need 2 more drivers .

Gene-Montagney ..... lol .

[gwyllion]

They have enough drivers for 3 cars if they use their 2012 drivers: Kristensen, McNish, Lotterer, Treluyer, Fassler, Jarvis, Rockenfeller, Bonanomi, Duval, Gene, Di Grassi.

[chernaudi]

More than enough--11 drivers for 3 cars. They need only one more to make it possible for a four car effort. It is questionable if Audi would want to do that this year, though, as the e-tron quattro has proven to be reliable. It depends of if Audi thinks three or four cars is better for the possible ROI from their point of view. Also, is Di Grassi an full-fledged Audi factory driver, or was his race at Brazil a one off? That can make a difference on the LM car count for Audi next year, too.

[Salamus]

Pretty sure Di Grassi was a one-off.

[wewantourdarbyback]

If they raced it in the testing livery I think I'd need a lie down.

[gregtummer]

I'd like to see Audi do some testing on the Audi R18 without the ballast.

Let it run at 750kgs and lets see some lap times!

[gwyllion]

Without ballast the weight distribution is probably too much to the rear and this will affect the handling They need to put ballast at the front in order for the wide front tyres to work.

[Pandamasque]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

Without ballast the weight distribution is probably too much to the rear and this will affect the handling They need to put ballast at the front in order for the wide front tyres to work.

Or just borrow a couple from DeltaWing guys.

[TF110]

Instead of ballast they could solve that with the 'front wing' in 2014 perhaps making a bit more front downforce, but by then they won't have the wide front tires.