Audi R8 (LMP)

Audi R8
CategoryLe Mans Prototype
ConstructorAudi
Designer(s)Michael Pfadenhauer (aerodynamics)
Wolfgang Appel (chassis)
Ulrich Baretzky (engine)
PredecessorAudi R8R
SuccessorAudi R10 TDI
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque
Suspension (front)Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers
Suspension (rear)Independent double wishbone pushrod system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers
EngineAudi 3.6 liter 90-degree V8 twin-turbo, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionRicardo 6-speed electro-pneumatic actuated sequential manual Multiple-disc limited-slip differential
FuelShell
TyresMichelin
Competition history
Notable entrantsGermany Audi Sport Team Joest
United Kingdom Audi Sport UK
United Kingdom Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx
Japan Audi Sport Japan Team Goh
United States Champion Racing
United Kingdom Johansson Motorsport
France Audi PlayStation Team Oreca
Notable driversDenmark Tom Kristensen
Germany Marco Werner
Italy Rinaldo Capello
Italy Michele Alboreto
United Kingdom Allan McNish
Italy Emanuele Pirro
Germany Frank Biela
France Laurent Aïello
Monaco Stéphane Ortelli
Sweden Stefan Johansson
Finland JJ Lehto
United Kingdom Johnny Herbert
Debut2000 12 Hours of Sebring
RacesWinsPoles
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The #1 & #2 Audi R8 LMP1 cars racing in the 2005 Grand Prix of Atlanta

The Audi R8 is a Le Mans Prototype sports-prototype race car introduced in 2000 for sports car racing as a redevelopment of their Audi R8R (open-top LMP) and Audi R8C (closed-top LMGTP) used in 1999. In its class, it is one of the most successful racing sports cars having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005, five of the six years it competed in total. Its streak of Le Mans victories between 2000 and 2005 was broken only in 2003 by the Bentley Speed 8, another race car fielded that year by Volkswagen Group.[1]

The petrol-powered Audi R8 race car was in 2006 replaced by the new Audi R10 TDI Diesel; however, the need to further develop the R10 meant that the R8 saw action in a few races leading up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

  1. ^ "Les24Heures".