Audi, as I’m sure you know, has been on the top of Le Mans Prototype class (LMP1), dominating the world of endurance racing for the past decade. And just like when they went rallying, they rely heavily on their advanced Quattro system to achieve greatness. And now there is a new Quattro development to make sure the R18 maintains its crown.

In 2014, Audi R18 LMP1 race car uses a new e-tron Quattro system that is guaranteed to make it faster round corners. The technology has always been there, but they weren’t allowed to use it. Up to now, Audi had been allowed to use four-wheel drive only above 120 km/h. This year, this speed-related rule no longer applies.

Before this, all-wheel-drive was only beneficial in high-speed turns. Now though, it can be of enormous help giving the driver the confidence to put his foot hard down while exiting tight corners without having to worry about traction. Quattro will sort that out.

Audi’s e-tron Quattro is the most advanced system in the industry right now. It includes a new Motor Generator Unit (MGU), together with a differential, mounted on the front axle, connected to the front wheels with two drive shafts. It features a kinetic energy recover system with an optimized flywheel energy storage device located in the cockpit next to the driver. When accelerating, the same energy is used again to boost performance.

“Innovations only become pioneering achievements when they’re successfully used and others start to adopt them,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi, like no other manufacturer, has repeatedly achieved such feats ever since the debut of quattro four-wheel drive in 1980.”