Audi's 2014 LMP1

[Grand_Fromage]

The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro is undergoing a test in Florida

A week after the World Championship winning Audi R18 e-tron quattro won its last race, its successor is ready for a test in Florida.
 
"“We have reached a crucial stage in this project",” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "After building the first prototype, testing on various race tracks is now taking centre-stage. The tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out an efficiency-optimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one.”
 

[Robbo]

First spy shots: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111818

[Kristof]

[Werner]

  Jesus, just thinking about the nice prototypes they once built in Ingolstadt, remember the beautiful R8 Coupe? How f*cking ugly have these cars become nowadays. I'm afraid, even a first class paint job won't help much.

[Canada Phil]

Jesus, just thinking about the nice prototypes they once built in Ingolstadt, remember the beautiful R8 Coupe? How f*cking ugly have these cars become nowadays. I'm afraid, even a first class paint job won't help much.

Hi Werner,
               We will learn to Love it when Mark Weber passes the Audi for the lead  and Alan McNish is sent out in hot pursuit 
Phil

[Grand_Fromage]

Audi say it is a 'ground-up' redesign of the 2013 car, but it does look very similar doesn't it. Most of the visible (some would say ugly) changes such a the higher roof and bigger cockpit bubble are as a result of the requirements of 2014 regulations.

From Audi press information:

[landman]

"higher roof and bigger cockpit bubble"

Roughly translated as Ferrari avoidance measures.

[gatordad]

I get that funny feeling between my legs...what a beauty!

[lofty]

i hope it makes a bit more noise this year.

[Grand_Fromage]

The new R18 has innovative LASER headlights.

Presumably to vaporise those pesky GTE cars that get in their way.

[Kristof]

2 cars in full season WEC
Possibly a third one at Le Mans.

[mgmark]

Jesus, just thinking about the nice prototypes they once built in Ingolstadt, remember the beautiful R8 Coupe? How f*cking ugly have these cars become nowadays. I'm afraid, even a first class paint job won't help much.

Hi Werner,
               We will learn to Love it when Mark Weber passes the Audi for the lead  and Alan McNish is sent out in hot pursuit 
Phil

Given the other thread on McNish's retirement, a prospect that sadly, we shall not see....

MG Mark

[Truck]

Jesus, just thinking about the nice prototypes they once built in Ingolstadt, remember the beautiful R8 Coupe? How f*cking ugly have these cars become nowadays. I'm afraid, even a first class paint job won't help much.

This is Audi's last attractive racing car

[Canada Phil]

Jesus, just thinking about the nice prototypes they once built in Ingolstadt, remember the beautiful R8 Coupe? How f*cking ugly have these cars become nowadays. I'm afraid, even a first class paint job won't help much.

Hi Werner,
               We will learn to Love it when Mark Weber passes the Audi for the lead  and Alan McNish is sent out in hot pursuit 
Phil

Given the other thread on McNish's retirement, a prospect that sadly, we shall not see....

MG Mark

Hi Mark,
           Perhaps some new Audi driver will entertain us to a good battle for the lead. Neal Janni is in the Porsche too so not sure who Rebellion will have in their driver lineup. Toyota should be ready for an overall win too.
Sounds exciting to me. LMP1 is alive and well everywhere except North America.
Merry Christmas
Phil

[Werner]

This is Audi's last attractive racing car

I think they had another beautiful one in 1999:

http://cacb.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/1999_audi_r8c1.jpg

AFAIK Tony Southgate designed it