Audi is once again utilizing the ‘Quattro’ system to achieve new heights in the world of motorsport. They first did it back in the 1980s with great results. Now they are going to try it out in Le Mans and endurance racing with the new four-wheel-drive R18 e-tron, which is also a hybrid. On paper then, the R18 should blow the whole competition out of the water. The technology in this car is remarkable, but nothing is written in stone.

The hybrid system in this LMP1 racer includes a V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) which powers the rear wheels, and electric motors that drive the front wheels. So it can stay out on the track more than others, because it’s so efficient, and while out there it will be faster than the others, because of the quattro system sophistication. That is what Audi is hoping for.

The R18 e-tron makes its race debut on May 5 in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and fights for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) on June 16/17.