Audi R18 '16

aspiration

TC (Turbocharger)

Group

Gr.1

Displacement

4,000 cc

DriveTrain

4WD

Height

1,050 mm

Length

4,650 mm

Weight

875 kg

Width

1,900 mm

Max Power

506 BHP / 4,600 rpm

Max Torque

86.8 kgfm / 3,000 rpm

Performance Point

PP 864.22

Manufacturer

Audi

Audi R18 '16: A Legendary LMP1 Prototype and the Pinnacle of Endurance Racing

The Audi R18 '16 represents the ultimate evolution of Audi's dominant endurance racing program in the prestigious Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) category. Introduced for the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, the R18 '16 saw Audi pull out all the stops in technology, design, and performance as the manufacturer aimed for continued supremacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in global endurance racing. Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, the 2016 version of the R18 combined aggressive aerodynamics, a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, and relentless efficiency improvements.

Under the hood, the Audi R18 '16 employed a turbocharged V6 TDI diesel engine mated to a powerful lithium-ion battery-based hybrid system, further cementing Audi’s pioneering reputation with alternative powertrains in motorsport. With over 1,000 combined horsepower delivered through all-wheel drive, the R18 '16 was a formidable competitor, pushing technological boundaries and setting new benchmarks for efficiency and performance. Its radical aerodynamic revisions included a lower nose, complex wing arrangements, and optimized energy recovery systems, all aimed at maximizing speed while minimizing fuel and tire consumption.

Despite Audi’s storied run in endurance racing, 2016 marked the end of an era. The R18 '16 was the manufacturer’s final entry in the LMP1 category before withdrawing from top-tier endurance racing. Though it faced strong competition from Porsche and Toyota, the R18 '16 still showcased Audi's commitment to innovation, achieving several podium finishes and demonstrating exceptional reliability and speed throughout the season. The car’s legacy lives on, not only through its race victories and technical achievements, but also as the swan song for one of the most successful manufacturers in Le Mans history.

Today, the Audi R18 '16 retains a special place in the hearts of endurance racing fans and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. It stands as a testament to the German marque's relentless pursuit of racing excellence, marking the culmination of a period in which Audi set benchmarks for innovation in hybrid technology, diesel performance, and aerodynamic advancement on the world’s most demanding circuits.