KUALA LUMPUR: The German automotive giant Audi is not a new name in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as it has covered the Circuit de la Sarthe on several occasions and recorded its victory on thirteen occasions. While the company left endurance racing in 2016 to focus on Formula E, some time ago it announced its return for the upcoming 2023 season. And for that, it is developing the racing car in association with the fellow firm of the Volkswagen group Porsche, who will also participate in the race. The new racer will be the successor to the successful Audi R18.
Both teams will enter the new LMDh regulations (Le Mans Daytona Hybrid). The LMDh is a new category of sports prototypes in which competitors can develop their own powertrains, using a hybrid system and one of four control chassis partners (Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic and Oreca). With this in mind, the two companies will use the same platform to develop their respective sports prototypes, but their cars will be markedly different, especially in the exterior design which is still under development, says Audi.
Commenting on the Audi-Porsche partnership, Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sports, said: “A great strength of the Volkswagen Group is the brands’ collaboration in the development of road cars.
Prepared to mark its return to the World Endurance Championship after five years, Audi recently provided the first glimpse of its hybrid Le Mans car and confirmed that it had “largely completed” its design work. The company chose the chassis partner and also selected the powertrain concept.
“Together with our Audi design colleagues, we are currently designing the look that our fans will love. Our goal is to have the first prototype on its wheels early next year and complete its rollout in the first quarter,” said Andreas Roos, head of Audi’s motorsport efforts.
Before representing Audi at Le Mans in June 2023, the hybrid sports car will make its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2023.
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