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More compact and lighter
Although diesel engines were restricted by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) regulations and must now make do with approximately ten per cent smaller air inlets and almost seven per cent less turbo pressure, Audi continues to rely on TDITDISynonymous with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical.TDI power and thus the world’s arguably most efficient drive technology.
Instead of twelve, the R15 TDI engine has ten cylinders. “In our opinion this is the best compromise for the existing ACO regulations,” says Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport. “It’s not only a question of absolute power but also weight, size and drivability. This means also the engine has been subject to the strong demands of the whole package of the car.”
Two cylinders less
As with the V12 TDI engine, Audi again uses the maximum displacement of 5.5 liters permitted by the regulations. The removal of two cylinders, however, enables a more compact design and a significant reduction in weight. The engine therefore makes a major contribution to the R15 TDI having a much better weight distribution as its predecessor.
The new power unit’s architecture is only partly comparable with that of the V12 TDI; development began on September 1, 2007, the first dynamometer run was made one year later. The cylinder bank angle of 90 degrees was retained. Apart from this the engine is an entirely new development with a changed geometry.
The Audi Sport technicians did not only restrict themselves to reducing the weight and dimensions. Innovations in the used materials and the turbo-charging and fuel injection areas ensure a maximum of power and torque and a more spontaneous throttle response and thus better engine drivability. Furthermore, the specific fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions were further reduced.
In spite of the lower turbo pressure (2.75 instead of 2.94 bar absolute) stipulated by the regulations and the smaller air inlets (37.9 instead of 39.9 millimeter diameter) the V10 TDI produces over 600 hp. The maximum torque still lies at about 1,000 Newton meter.
Short exhaust tail pipes
The exhaust system mated to the Audi engine is completely new. The titanium tail pipes now emerge on the upper side of the bodywork directly behind the power unit.
Shortening the tail pipes also saved weight. Furthermore, the gases are now channeled more perfectly onto the rear wing and, as a result, also have an aerodynamic function. The lighter, next generation diesel particle filters (DPF) are even more compact than those of the R10 TDI and generate even less back pressure.
The new engine differs acoustically from its forerunner, the new sound is immediately evident: The V10 TDI is still considerably quieter than a common race engine, but sounds much more aggressive and powerful than the V12 TDI.
Proven gearbox
Like its predecessor, the R15 TDI also manages with five forward gears selected pneumatically via steering wheel mounted shift-paddles. The torque transmitting components of the gearbox of the gearbox are practically identical to the final lightweight version recently used in the R10 TDI. The traction control (ASR) was further developed. The multi-function steering wheel originates from the R10 TDI but has been given additional functions.
