Audi and Porsche to collaborate on 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers Car News

Audi claims to have “largely completed” the design work for its 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans challenger – and has hinted that the machine will be closely linked to the new hypercar developed for the event by sister company Porsche.

The Ingolstadt firm has won 13 endurance races, most recently with the R18 in 2014. Audi dropped out of endurance racing at the end of the 2016 season but confirmed that it would return to the race. category in 2023.

The company will join with the Volkswagen Group company Porsche in adhering to the new LMDh regulations, which give companies the freedom to develop their own powertrains, but require them to use a hybrid system and one of four control frames, as well as other cost reduction measures.

In particular, Audi Sport boss Julius Seebach said the project was being developed in cooperation with Porsche, suggesting that the two racing cars would be closely linked. He said: “A great strength of the Volkswagen Group is the collaboration of brands in the development of road cars. We are now transferring this proven model to motorsport. “

Audi and Porsche are the two most successful companies in racing history. While Audi has 13 wins, Porsche has won the event 19 times, with its most recent victory in 2017.

Audi has chosen a chassis partner for the project and claims to have gone for an ‘engine concept’ as well, although it has not given any details on the powertrain other than to confirm it. The LMDh rules have strict aerodynamic limits, but Audi Sport is working with the company’s road car designers on the styling of the new machine.

Audi Sport factory manager Andreas Roos said the company would offer its new Le Mans challenger to customer teams “right from the start, alongside factory entrances.” Cars built under LMDh rules will also be eligible for the IMSA US Sports Car Championship, and Audi said it has already garnered interest from potential customers.

Roos added that the decision to sell the car to customers alongside the factory team continues a philosophy adopted with the R8, its first Le Mans winner. Two of the five Le Mans victories for this car were won by private teams.

Audi is also developing a hydrogen-powered all-terrain vehicle that will compete in next year’s Dakar rally and Roos said the company is working on the two projects in parallel.

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