Audi R8 (LMP)
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.
| Category | Le Mans Prototype | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Audi | ||||||
| Designer(s) | Michael Pfadenhauer (aerodynamics) Wolfgang Appel (chassis) Ulrich Baretzky (engine) | ||||||
| Predecessor | Audi R8R | ||||||
| Successor | Audi R10 TDI | ||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||
| Chassis | Carbon 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 | ||||||
| Engine | Audi 3.6 liter 90-degree V8 twin-turbo, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted | ||||||
| Transmission | Ricardo 6-speed electro-pneumatic actuated sequential manual Multiple-disc limited-slip differential | ||||||
| Fuel | Shell | ||||||
| Tyres | Michelin | ||||||
| Competition history | |||||||
| Notable entrants | Audi Sport Team Joest Audi Sport UK Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx Audi Sport Japan Team Goh Champion Racing Johansson Motorsport Audi PlayStation Team Oreca | ||||||
| Notable drivers | Tom Kristensen Marco Werner Rinaldo Capello Michele Alboreto Allan McNish Emanuele Pirro Frank Biela Laurent Aïello Stéphane Ortelli Stefan Johansson JJ Lehto Johnny Herbert | ||||||
| Debut | 2000 12 Hours of Sebring | ||||||
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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.