For Sale: 2011 Audi R18 TDI Ultra LMP1 – 'I Pity the Fuel' with This Le Mans Legend
Are you familiar with 'Truth in 24', the captivating documentary that takes us behind the scenes of Audi Sport’s triumphant 2008 Le Mans campaign? This film is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the elite world of motorsport. The compelling narration by Jason Statham exemplifies the best in automotive storytelling.
Its sequel, 'Truth in 24 II'’ chronicles the 2011 French endurance race, in which Audi captured its monumental 10th Le Mans victory over just 12 years—a testament to its dominance at La Sarthe.
That year, they marked a significant evolution in prototype racing regulations. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest implemented changes to foster competition by replacing large-capacity V10 and V12 engines with smaller, more restricted units.
Audi adapted brilliantly to these new regulations with the R18 TDI Ultra, a sleek closed-coupé prototype, marking a notable innovation as Audi’s first closed prototype since the R8C in 1999.
The R18 TDI Ultra marked a watershed moment for Audi. It maintained the highly efficient turbo-diesel engine while anticipating a future with hybrid technologies. The following year, it incorporated a 3.7-litre turbocharged V6 and an electric motor.
The car introduced groundbreaking features like a centrally positioned Garrett turbocharger and an innovative closed-coupé body with a regulatory 'shark fin', significantly improving aerodynamic efficiency over its open predecessors. Further enhancements included an electronically actuated gearbox and pioneering LED headlights, which improved visibility and reduced weight.
Despite regulatory efforts to limit Audi's performance, the R18 excelled at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, successfully building on the achievements of its predecessor, the R15. That year featured intense rivalry at the Circuit de la Sarthe, notably against Peugeot, and showcased Audi’s resilience following significant accidents.
Audi Sport manufactured only eight R18 TDI Ultras in 2011. Chassis number 107, endearingly named Varna, made its competitive debut post-Le Mans at the 6 Hours of Imola. Despite facing extreme temperatures and track debris, this car, driven by Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen, achieved a commendable fourth place.
This car’s illustrious career spanned key races worldwide, concluding at the 6 Hours of Zhuhai. With Audi transitioning to hybrid prototypes in 2012, chassis number 107 retired from racing and later became a celebrated exhibition piece commemorating Audi's racing heritage.
Today, chassis number 107 is not just a technological marvel and a racing victor but a collector's dream, embodying Audi's enduring legacy in motorsport. This privately owned, fully operational 2011 Audi R18 TDI Ultra LMP1 is now available for sale, offering a unique opportunity for collectors and racing enthusiasts to own a significant piece of Le Mans history.
