2003 Audi Le Mans quattro Concept
Concept or Reality?
If a concept car is a sneak preview into the design works of an automobile manufacturer, Audi appears to be a brand in motion. At every major auto show, the upper-class German marque has brought an enticing project for display.
This year alone, Audi has already shown two cars that could potentially make their ways into production. Firstly, the Pikes Peak quattro crossover SUV hints at what Audis upcoming A7 sport utility may look like. Secondly, the grand-tourer Nuvolari quattro presses forward in style and innovation. Scaled down, this project could form a large two-door tourer. While both concepts cover uncharted territory for Audi, each looks feasible for production and easily accepted within the wide spectrum of the brands identity. What Audi has just presented at the Frankfurt motor show, however, might seem like a stretch for some.
The Le Mans quattro supercar concept doesnt represent Audis first kick at the supercar cat though. With the stunning Avus concept steeling all the press in 1991, the more provocative Rosemeyer in 2000 and subsequent RSR in 2002, Audi is no stranger to building high-speed machines. Strangely enough, one would think after spending the vast sums of money necessary to acquire and develop the legendary Lamborghini marque, that the Italian firm would be the sole wing of supercars for the massive VAG conglomerate. This may have been the reason why Volkswagens on-again-off-again W12 Nardo prototype, another strong attempt at challenging the worlds fastest, was unexpectedly shelved last year. However, with heavy funding and shared technology, including the innovative ASF space frame designed for the Gallardo, it has been made clear that eventually Audi would create a supercar of its own in order to capitalize on economies of scale. Needless to say, the Le Mans shares its genes with the baby V10 Lamborghini.
But make no mistake; the Le Mans quattro is not a carbon copy of its Italian cousin. Rather than simply re-bodying the Gallardo, Audi has transformed it into a concept technically independent of the Italian. For starters, the wheelbase has been stretched by 3.9 inches for a total of 104.3 inches. Marginally longer at 172.0 inches and standing at 49 inches tall, the Le Mans is a fair bit larger in all dimensions except width, where it remains at a constant 74.8 inches wide.
Using the same construction methods demonstrated in the production A2, A8 and Gallardo, the Le Mans structure is a lightweight aluminum space frame. Clothed in gracefully sculpted aluminum and carbon fiber panels, Audi has successfully managed to keep the cars weight well within reason. At 3,373 lbs, the car is only 22 lbs heavier than the Gallardo despite offering completely different mechanicals.
The differences are on display for all to see through the Le Mans rear glass rear decklid. A centrally mounted five-liter, ten-cylinder engine incorporates basic architecture that is more or less the same as that in the Gallardo, but thats where the similarity ends. Audis engineers have redesigned the powerplant to accept two light pressure turbochargers. But the quest for power simply hasnt stopped here, FSI has also been added. The Le Mans and championship dominating formula featured on both the R8R Le Mans and ALMS-winning race car, and on the new A3 and A4, is Audis version of direct injection. FSIs benefits are numerous and valuable, increasing power and torque while reducing consumption. The original 500 horsepower rating has risen to 610, while torque has skyrocketed to 553 lb-ft available from just 1,750 rpm pulling all the way through to 5,800 rpm. No doubt, breathtaking.
Rather than using an automatic, conventional manual or even the robotized DSG sequential shifting manual transmission, Audi has borrowed Lamborghinis six-speed sequential gearbox to harness the 610 horsepower. From here, power leads to all four wheels with a 40:60 split front to rear bias, favoring the rear as a sports car should.
Twenty-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in fat custom-made tires - 255/30 up front and a massive 295/30 in back. With such incredible levels of traction matched to absolutely corruptible power, the Le Mans is said to rocket to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds, after which it charges on to an estimated top speed of 205 mph. Midrange acceleration should also be phenomenal thanks to the low-pressure turbos.
In order to keep the car stable at speed, Audi has equipped the Le Mans with a retractable rear spoiler. At speeds above 70 mph, it automatically raises to keep the rear end firmly stuck to the ground.
As opposed to fashioning a radical and new design for Le Mans, Audi has chosen to embody details similar to that of the Nuvolari and Pikes Peak, while featuring shapes that can be traced to current production Audis. Up front, the Le Mans makes its initial impression with a massive split grille. Wide at the top, it tapers toward the bottom with a bar passing straight through center. This design harks to the new A3 and A8.
On the other hand, the progressive LED headlights enclosed in sharky lens covers are definitely influenced by the Nuvolari. Mounted below are two massive intakes, which force in air to cool the oversized carbon-ceramic disc brakes. Profile wise the Le Mans is completely unique, displaying both extremes of curves and sharp edges. The rounded A-pillar and curved fastback contrast the sharp creases of the fender flares and side intakes.
While viewing the Le Mans from its side, its clear to see that its supercar stature is a clear departure from anything previously expected from Audi. However, the design returns to a blend of reality and concept as it makes its way back towards the tail of the car. Again, thin LED lights make their appearance, but this time shrouded in red to make the cars taillights. Much like the ducts in front, two scores of matte black slats integrated into the rear fascia function to remove engine heat. The sleek supercar is accented by two narrow exhaust tips, flush mounted to the cars lower air dam.
Audi, eager to flex its technological muscles, has fitted the Le Mans with a special windshield. Coated in a substance that deflects dirt and prevents traffic film from forming, the treated glass also cuts out UV and infrared rays from entering the cockpit. It seems clear that Audi wishes to pursue these technologies further, having featured them on each of its recent concept cars. Now its a matter of time before we start seeing LED lights and cross-section grills on production cars.
As the exterior is a distinct break from tradition, the interior also reflects style and design far different than anything current. Fashioned in a similar manner to the majority of recent supercars, the Le Mans appears to be meagerly equipped and hardly complicated. Finished in dark tones and subdued hues, the Le Mans atmosphere is different from the bright colors and cheery tones used in most Audis.
The swooping curves of the center console match up with accenting metal trim and a purposefully flat-bottomed steering wheel, giving the Le Mans the look of a 22nd century racing car. Squeezed in a grippy racing seat with a four-point harness between the high transmission tunnel and door, the driver is faced with purpose-designed instrumentation and controls that are all within easy reach. Blue, red and teardrop shaped, the Le Mans instrument cluster is similar to that of the Nuvolari. Depending on the cars driving situation (selectable between racing course, open road or city driving) different information is brought up and displayed on the screen between the two gauges.
Though the Le Mans bears similar levels of power, speed and innovation as its distant Avus and Rosemeyer ancestors, it differs in one major point. In the same way that the Nuvolari and Pikes Peaks are said to heavily influence future production models, Audi has slated the Le Mans to be one of them. First, however, the German brand wants to see the overall reaction to its astonishing supercar, and if the public accepts it, it could very well be on its way to production within three short years. If all goes well, it is perhaps possibly well see the first Audi supercar on the road by 2006, moving into uncharted waters at intimidating speeds, and challenging the worlds best.