Audi's New 2016 R18 LMP1 Prototype Is Here And It Looks Mean As Hell

Audi has taken the covers off its new 2016 R18 LMP1 prototype, which takes a step up in hybrid energy and features a number of aggressive-looking aero changes.

The German manufacturer unveiled the car on Saturday evening. It is quite a looker, isn’t it? The latest turbodiesel Audi LMP1 racer continues with the R18 e-tron quattro name and will run in the six megajoule hybrid FIA World Endurance Championship sub-class.

Audi’s prototype raced in the 4MJ category this season. It has abandoned the flywheel hybrid system in favour of a lithium-ion battery, which is the same technology used by rivals Porsche, and will continue to run a 4.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine.

The changes under the bodywork should help level out the playing field under the energy-based LMP1 rules introduced in 2014, with 8MJ petrol cars - the category Porsche and Toyota run in - being the equivalent of 6MJ turbodiesels.

The aggressive-looking LMP1 machine will hit the track for the first time at the start of December, with testing taking place at the Sebring circuit.

Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich said:

“With our new Audi R18, we’re setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI - the world’s most successful automotive efficiency technology - at the Le Mans 24 Hours.”

Meanwhile it was confirmed at the launch that Audi and Porsche will cut back to both running two cars at the iconic Le Mans, with the former saying its 2015 driver line-up will remain unchanged.