The December 2003 Car magazine has an article on the LeMans Quattro. Here are some of the key observations:“If we want to compete against Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar, we need a powerful and sophisticated sports car.” Anonymous High-ranking Ingostadt Insider
The LMQ will first be released with a high revving normally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 pushing 450 hp and an aggressive 40:60 front:rear torque split. The twin turbo V10 will come later.
The body will be based on the Audi aluminum spaceframe (note the unpainted aluminum side air intake panels) and other weight saving technology to tip the scales at1530 kg (3,366 pounds). The LMQ will host the DL750 six speed sequential gearbox, latest version of the DSG gearbox just introduced on the TT.
The LMQ shares the structure with the Lamborghini Gallardo, but each has its own clear identity (interior and exterior). Walter de’Silva, Audi design chief, is quoted as saying, “… the Gallardo is more of a street legal race car while the LeMans is a road car that should do well on the track”. IMO a pretty fine distinction. According to de’Silva, the car has a “driver orientation” (Translate: roomier and more practical than the Gallardo) with controls arranged around the driver and angled for optimal accessibility and use.
The LED headlights and taillights, the rear spoiler and the ceramic breaks are likely to make it to production, but the magnetic shock system is in question. The rear wing spoiler deploys at 75 mph and when the car is placed in reverse exposing a row of backup lights.
The flat bottom racing steering wheel draws on the Audi R8 racing heritage with buttons for “Pit” (a speed limiter), “Track” (provides lap times, gear selection and magnetic ride info), and operation of the spoiler and the magnetic shocks (assuming the magnetic shocks make it).
Estimated price £80-100,000 ($125-160,000 US).
Prior to production, Audi plans to improve the airflow to the engine bay and increase the size of the luggage compartment. de’Silva comments that, “We have pretty much determined the key design criteria, and I am very happy with the architecture of the car.”
So are we!!! Bring it on.
Finnus
PS Imagine the tuning possibilities on a 600 hp V10 bi-turbo!
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