When two almost legendary automakers compete against each other to steal the show at some event or other, sparks are set to fly all around the place. In about the same situation are Toyota and Audi, both setting high expectations at this year’s mid-June 24 Heures du Mans.
For instance, Toyota is expected to resume with a gasoline-electric TS030 – a hybrid. Audi, on the other hand, given its recognized skill in the diesel technology, will show up with a diesel-hybrid. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi’s motorsport division says it was “as ambitious and challenging as our diesel project was in its early stages.”
The introduction of such cars to the public will be made gradually, as Audi Sport Team Joest has in mind an integration to the four-car team in both the 24-Hour Le Mans, and the FIA World Endurance Championship also coming this year.
For now, not much is known about Audi’s hybrid Le Mans Prototype, but by the end of February we’ll have a “taste” of it. The beginning of May brings a 6-hour race at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium, to also see how well it rides. Knowing Audi, our fingers are itching to touch the hybrid-‘s wheel…
[via Green Car Reports]
