Larry Herman

Really? I kind of like it, but I wouldn't confuse it with beautiful.

Spyderidol

Yes, all new 2011 LMP's must have that dorsal fin.

Veloce Raptor

Hideously fugly.....but purposeful.









Professional Racing and Driving Coach

dp35

I don't claim to know more about designing an endurance racer than Audi, but, IMO this car will get smoked by the Puegot. Why? The idea of less power and weight, and more grip, is only useful in qualifying. Once the race begins it's all about power and straight line speed. These races are won on the straight parts, because the slower cars disable any handling advantages.

If you want an example of what I'm talking about, recall the Acura LMP1 car. It qualified on pole against the Audis & Puegots its one and only time at Sebring, only to be instantly dispatched & destroyed by all of the diesels in the race. The car was such a failure it was abandoned after just one season. It was built around using big front tires, less power & weight.

winders

What qualities makes a good endurance race car?

Reliability, speed, good fuel efficiency, and consistency.

A car that is reliable, fast, fuel efficient, and easy to drive at a consistent pace is what is needed.

I don't see how a lighter car with less power is at a disadvantage as long as it has the qualities I listed above. Porsche, for example, has been successful with both light and heavy cars that have those qualities.

Just because the Acura you mention didn't measure doesn't mean your premise is correct.

Scott

dp35

I could certainly be wrong. But I'm basing my theory on the fact that its easier to pass on the straight parts. All of the P1 cars get stuck in traffic, but the ones with more power & torque get through it easier, and also pass their lower powered/better handling competition. The Acura LMP1 car exemplified this.

I also base my theory on my own racing experience.

Looking forward to seeing the results.

winders

What is the power and weight differences between the new Audi and the Puegot?

Scott

Alpine951

Sebring winter testing

Alpine951

Ray S

Cool shots

Eifeler

Awesome shots of the Audi. The exhaust trail behind it makes it look like it's running a turbine.

cello

Great pics!

1. What are the red dot-like things on the fender arches for in the first pic? Can't see them in the second pic.

2. How does LMP1 help Audi sell their cars? I get brand awareness, etc. Seems tho that the Audi line up is pretty distanced in both 'form' and 'function' for there to be a real advantage in such advertising. OTOH I always 'got' Audi and Rally. Why I've been a long time fan and have bought them, actually. Form and function there are more closely matched, with the awd sedans outclassing all, etc.

Maybe something like: Look how we do technology, yeah its not in your car but we put the same engineering to work in your quattro system, diesel, S-car, etc...

Maybe, tho, it was F Piech saying F^&*-off Porsche look what I can do over here.. I'll chase you from the class.. etc. If so, where does it go now that there is one roof?

Jarez Mifkin

1. Data sensors. It's in the middle of a testing program. They aren't in the other picture because it's a different car.

2. They've brough TFSI to the street cars, they've advanced the TDI technology for the street cars. I'd say it's mostly a research/marketing project.

CWhaley

I love that car... Flowing lines... it looks like its screaming and still sitting still.

Alpine951

Cant take credit for the pics. Found them online.