If you follow the world of Motorsport closely, you are aware that this year Porsche put an end to Audi’s decade-long reign over the Le Mans and other endurance racing series. That obviously didn’t sit well with Audi’s brass and prompted a complete overhaul of their Le Mans program, the result of which is the new 2016 Audi R18 e-tron.

Not only does it look different from last year’s model, the 2016 Audi R18 e-tron is also packing an all-new powertrain. Gone is the big capacity engine and in its place you find a 4.0 liter V6 Turbodiesel boosted with a flywheel-based hybrid system that enters the car into the 6MJ category. So if you needed another reason to make sure losing to Porsche is the motivation for the new R18, this would be it.

The combination of turbodiesel and hybrid power, along with aerodynamic improvements designed to make the car faster and more fuel efficient, will no doubt make the 2016 Audi R18 e-tron a formidable force on the race track. But will be it be formidable enough to take on and beat Porsche’s magnificent 919 hybrid? The way Motorsport works, when a team begins winning, they usually continue doing so for a few years. So we’re not putting any money on the R18 just yet.