[USCR] Audi confirms intent to build DPG3 body if engine is approved

FCYTravis · 16 Apr 2013, 21:07 (Ref:3235488)

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/n...ona-prototype/

Quote:

Audi Sport wants to build a Daytona Prototype to race in the 2014 United Sportscar Racing series according to Wolfgang Ullrich. However the programme is far from confirmed as the marque does not have a suitable engine. “The rules say the engine should be based on a production unit with a maximum of eight cylinders and a maximum capacity of five litres” explains Ullrich.

“This is a little bit of a problem we have a 5 litre V10 and a four litre V8. This is what we are discussing, trying to find a solution. We have to race in the USA.

I can't imagine IMSA wouldn't find some way to open the door here - whether it's the V10 or perhaps a light-pressure turbo on the V8.

deggis · 16 Apr 2013, 21:29 (Ref:3235504)

Previously: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/106774

I can imagine the discussion:

IMSA: "No"
Ullrich: "But Viper..."

Mal · 16 Apr 2013, 21:54 (Ref:3235509)

Quote:

We have to race in the USA.

It they had done this for last few years it may not have come to this.......

Why not build a P2?

TF110 · 16 Apr 2013, 22:12 (Ref:3235515)

P2s are for private teams. Seems they know DP is #TheFuture

Breitling24 · 16 Apr 2013, 22:16 (Ref:3235518)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TF110

Seems they know DP is #TheFuture

It is, if you want to win the Daytona 24 the same year you win the Le Mans 24.

But "P2's" will be racing for some amount of time, against DP's, head to head, so not sure if they'll keep their "privateer" classification with USCR.

zanfo zanfagni · 16 Apr 2013, 22:20 (Ref:3235519)

occam's razor style idea: why not increase the displacement of the v8 unit?
hope that audi will keep on investing on LM program and supporting WEC. Will be a shame if they will slightly shift their attention on USR leaving the european endurance.

deggis · 16 Apr 2013, 22:25 (Ref:3235524)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zanfo zanfagni

occam's razor style idea: why not increase the displacement of the v8 unit?
hope that audi will keep on investing on LM program and supporting WEC. Will be a shame if they will slightly shift their attention on USR leaving the european endurance.

See the Autosport link I posted. It sounds like addiotional and US-only program.

MagVanisher · 16 Apr 2013, 22:35 (Ref:3235525)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breitling24

But "P2's" will be racing for some amount of time, against DP's, head to head, so not sure if they'll keep their "privateer" classification with USCR.

It would be nice if Audi can make a LMP2, but I guess DP is the de facto Prototype for USCR right now.

But, I fear that putting Audi to race at Daytona would pose a threat to Chip Ganassi and some of the privateers on that series.

Velociraptor · 16 Apr 2013, 22:48 (Ref:3235530)

Quote:

Originally Posted by zanfo zanfagni

occam's razor style idea: why not increase the displacement of the v8 unit?

they have no V8s over 4.2L, and, AFAIK, no Audi road engine ever had cylinder bore over 84.5 mm. Their 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 have the same bore and stroke and are undersquare engines... that is, not very suited for high-rpm... both have the highest piston speed among road car engines as the result of the long stroke.

MitchZ06 · 17 Apr 2013, 00:58 (Ref:3235567)

Who was that here saying it was logical that Audi would be racing in USDTM and not USCR?

Mechanic Z · 17 Apr 2013, 02:05 (Ref:3235582)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mal

It they had done this for last few years it may not have come to this.......

+1

Ephaeton · 17 Apr 2013, 02:12 (Ref:3235583)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchZ06

Who was that here saying it was logical that Audi would be racing in USDTM and not USCR?

Whatever version of 'logical' they go for ... I'm shocked.
"Vorsprung durch Technik", dass ich nicht lache!

Maelochs · 17 Apr 2013, 02:21 (Ref:3235587)

Audio could actually lose fans over this.

MitchZ06 · 17 Apr 2013, 02:36 (Ref:3235592)

Indeed, which is why a extremely toned down for P2 R18 with a petrol engine would be a far better idea than an Audi engine in scaffolding.

BrentJackson · 17 Apr 2013, 05:10 (Ref:3235608)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maelochs

Audio could actually lose fans over this.

Why, again?

I'll bet USCR allows the V10 here. Can't see any other rational course of actions under the circumstances, particularly since that same V10 has already seen GARRA action in the R8 Grand Am.

HORNDAWG · 17 Apr 2013, 05:25 (Ref:3235613)

Frankly I think it is great that Audi has interest in racing in the USCR! Drop a 4.0L V8 or a 5.0L V10 in a Dallara with some R-8 body work on it, and Bobs your uncle.

L.P.

dxk1 · 17 Apr 2013, 17:57 (Ref:3235885)

With Audi now considering an entry into Grand Am DP class and the expressed interest of some other manufacturers we've been reading about in other threads, it seems that some major manufacturers are feeling the potential inclusion of the DP class (probably with upgrades) coming in future regulations certainly continuing in USCR but perhaps also in WEC/Le Mans. I know this is sacrilege to some, but I just have a gut feeling. It just seems Audi wants to be ready when and if that happens.

DK

Mal · 17 Apr 2013, 18:06 (Ref:3235891)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxk1

With Audi now considering an entry into Grand Am DP class and the expressed interest of some other manufacturers we've been reading about in other threads, it seems that some major manufacturers are feeling the potential inclusion of the DP class (probably with upgrades) coming in future regulations certainly continuing in USCR but perhaps also in WEC/Le Mans. I know this is sacrilege to some, but I just have a gut feeling. It just seems Audi wants to be ready when and if that happens.

DK

It could also be Audi way of getting more influence over the 2016 rules.

Canada ALMS fan · 17 Apr 2013, 18:06 (Ref:3235892)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxk1

With Audi now considering an entry into Grand Am DP class and the expressed interest of some other manufacturers we've been reading about in other threads, it seems that some major manufacturers are feeling the potential inclusion of the DP class (probably with upgrades) coming in future regulations certainly continuing in USCR but perhaps also in WEC/Le Mans. I know this is sacrilege to some, but I just have a gut feeling. It just seems Audi wants to be ready when and if that happens.

DK

Or, they want to leverage their position to have more input in the direction of the future to suit their agenda. They always preach new technology and road relevance, neither of which the DP format currently provides. Seeing Audi in DP may be a tough pill to swallow but bodes well for the future IMO. Too many manufacturers showing interest (not likely) is actually a negative as it would justify the format in Daytona's mind increasing the likelihood we are stuck with it.

FCYTravis · 17 Apr 2013, 19:49 (Ref:3235920)

The DP format does provide road relevance - engines have to be stock-block and derived from a series-production automobile. Hence why Audi wants the current cylinder limit dropped - they want to race their 5.2L V10 from the R8, presumably destroked to 5.0L. Which makes good sense.

FstrthnU · 17 Apr 2013, 20:13 (Ref:3235927)

The DP engine requirement isn't all that different from LMP2, is it? That's why the Roush-Ford Ecoboost engine can be run in both DP and LMP2 (with minor modifications)

Canada ALMS fan · 17 Apr 2013, 20:23 (Ref:3235931)

I was referring to the fact that they can prove up new technologies which would then transfer to and improve road going product, not use existing production pieces in "prototypes". The use of smaller displacement, higher efficiency turbos and cleaner/more efficient fuels are 2 examples of where mass produced road cars are heading. Large displacement, naturally aspirated gas guzzling V8s are not, except in a few super cars. Ford has pushed for their Ecoboost turbo V6 to be allowed for this reason. GTs race based on existing road cars, no problems with that, a la R8. Prototypes should be as their name implies, templates for potential future innovation. Point is, DP does not fit the mantra of either of Audi's two sportscar racing programs as it currently stands. That and DP are not aspirational or halo vehicles like the R18 and R8 are. Audi is currently working on a road car, the R20, which looks like an R18 - Ugly fin and all. (I hate to admit but the fins don't really bother me anymore)

FCYTravis · 17 Apr 2013, 20:38 (Ref:3235936)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

The use of smaller displacement, higher efficiency turbos and cleaner/more efficient fuels are 2 examples of where mass produced road cars are heading.

It appears Audi wants to race its big, "gas-guzzling" 5.2L V10, rather than its smaller-displacement and legal-under-current-rules 4.2L V8. Hence the desire for a rules change.

Canada ALMS fan · 17 Apr 2013, 20:51 (Ref:3235939)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCYTravis

It appears Audi wants to race its big, "gas-guzzling" 5.2L V10, rather than its smaller-displacement and legal-under-current-rules 4.2L V8. Hence the desire for a rules change.

Which is surprising if true as it does not fit their current objectives with their current prototype program. Apparently they've decided winning overall in the USA is important after years of indifference... A shame. I guess now it's cheap enough and easy plus they get a seat at the table for future rules. Co-incidence this is happening now as they know NASCAR is trying to get DTM up and running over here?...

deggis · 17 Apr 2013, 21:00 (Ref:3235941)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada ALMS fan

Audi is currently working on a road car, the R20, which looks like an R18 - Ugly fin and all. (I hate to admit but the fins don't really bother me anymore)

That was fake. So was this too. This then again actually looks like an official illustration.

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