Audi R10 TDI wins Twelve Hours of Sebring race

20 March 2006

The new diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI has won the “Twelve Hours of Sebring” race, marking the first ever victory of a diesel powered sportscar. The car was driven by Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland). The race, which takes place in Sebring, Florida, is the most prestigious endurance race in the United States.

Audi was runing two R10 TDI sister cars, but the other vehicle—driven by Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany)—was withdrawn at about one-third distance because of engine overheating which occurred due to radiator blockage by tire rubber.

Audi has been preparing the R10 to take part, as the first diesel car ever, in the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in June.

The R10 is powered by a 5.5 liter (the maximum permitted at Le Mans) V-12 common-rail dual turbo TDI engine, which delivers 478 kW (650 hp) of power and 1,100 Nm or torque. The usable power band lies between 3000 and 5000 rpm. The V12 TDI has, like Audi production car engines, four valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts. The unit is fitted with two diesel particulate filters.

Source: Audi | American Le Mans | Fourtitude