Audi R18 Hybrid Confirmed for 2012 Le Mans Next June

Along with diesel-powered vehicles, the 80^th of the 24 hours of Le Mans will also be joined by hybrid cars. The hybrid car trend at Le Mans seems to be growing. After the TS030 Hybrid LMP1 from Toyota has been announced to join the endurance race, followed by the fact that a hybrid version of the 908 prototype was being worked by Peugeot, now a hybrid version of the Audi R18 TDI has been confirmed by the German automobile manufacturer which is Le Mans Prototype (LMP) vehicle. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not yet show to the public complete details of the cars – Audi has revealed only few details. It is expected that Audi will release more detailed information about its new R18 hybrid version in the following days this month.

In the 80^th race, Audi has confirmed to send four sports cars at the endurance race at Le Mans this year in which two of them in action will be equipped with hybrid drive for the first time. They will compete on June 16-17, 2012. The driving of the cars will be held by four Audi’s racers including Allan McNish, Oliver Jarvis, Timo Bernhard and Andre Lotterer. Additionally, there will also be supplementary drivers of Audi that will be announced by the 80^th running of the 24 Hours Le Mans starts.

The new Audi R18 Hybrid sports prototype will be presented at the end of February. Then, they – with four cars with the selected racers – will join their first competition in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5 and their World Championship opener at Sebring on March 17. Audi, represented by Audi Sport Team Joest, will rely on the Audi R18 TDI at Sebring since it has been proven victorious at the 79^th Le Mans in 2011. Audi lists a good track record in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with winning a total ten times in the last 11 years. [Pictured: Audi R18 LeMans Qualifying 2011 - Source Here]

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