Audi R10 numbers 1 and 2 at Laguna Seca. The diesel-powered racing car won honors from the U.K.'s Autosport magazine. (Image courtesy of Audi)
INGOLSTADT, Germany --- It might have seemed like risky business when Audi said it was going to be the first auto manufacturer to tackle Le Mans with a diesel engine.
But now, the awards are starting to roll in...
"When we informed our potential suppliers about the diesel project, they asked us if we really wanted to do this," said Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport. "It was taking a big risk. We knew that. But who else could have done it except Audi?"
The 650-horsepower diesel R10 TDI won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, just 200 days after the rollout of the car. Audi became the first manufacturer in 80 years to win the endurance race with a diesel engine. The R10 TDI remained unbeaten in its first American Le Mans Series season, too, winning seven races.
estreka says:
01:39 PM, 12/ 6/06
It truly is a breakthough in automotive racing (and for diesel tech). The world will never be the same. Just don't hold your breath for a diesel funny car.
ateixeira says:
01:54 PM, 12/ 6/06
Awesome and well deserved.
hondacura4 says:
04:20 PM, 12/ 7/06
I love Audi design and innovation but what I dont understand is how Audi racing cars are more reliable then their road cars.