Technical upgrades include a lighter, more compact V10 TDI engine that churns out more than 600 horsepower and maximum torque of 774 pound-feet. The Audi R15 TDI also gets a new electrical system that uses a lithium-ion battery, like the ones found in hybrid vehicles.
"The R15 TDI has many detailed technical solutions never seen before on a sports prototype," said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport, in a statement. "To a certain extent we followed entirely new routes."
Audi pointed out that the headlights on the R15 TDI get higher power and represent the first time that the automaker will compete with low-beam LED lights.
"With the R15 TDI, we have created the base to be in a position to win also in 2009," said Ullrich.
Inside Line says: Audi, with its second-generation diesel-powered car, will be the one to watch this racing season. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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