The body is also made of carbon fiber. Its lines attempt to fairing all the protruding elements for maximum aerodynamics efficiency. Under the body and located behind the pilot, is the engine that drives the R8.
It is a 3.600 cm3 90-degree V8 equipped with two twin turbos, with four valves per DOHC cylinder and electronic multipoint fuel injection Bosch Motronic MS 2.9. The turbos Garret, with maximum pressure restricted by regulation, helps this V8 engine develop 660 horsepower (reduced to 600 in the 2003 season), while the torque exceeded 515 pounds foot. Spectacular features include a maximum of 8,050 RPM, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h.
The power of the Audi R8 is transmitted to the rear wheels via a sequential 6-speed manual Ricardo box and a limited sliding multi-disc differential. The brake system is double-circuit hydraulic with ventilated front and rear carbon fibre brake discs. The brake intensity distribution is adjustable from the cockpit manually by the pilot.
The front wheels are 13.5” x 18", while the rear wheels are 14.5” x 18". The rims are fitted with Michelin Radial tyres, the front 33/65 -18 and the rear: 36/71 -18.
The Audi R8 LMP has a capacity to accumulate 90 litres of fuel, while its total empty weight is 900 kilograms. This successful race winner measures 4650mm long and 2000mm wide. The wheelbase is 2730 mm.
© Adrián Blanco 2005 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —