Technical PartnersProven connections
The success of AUDI AG in motorsport is no coincidence but in fact the result of hard work and technical expertise – plus the cooperation with the best technical partners. For this purpose Audi backs continuity. Audi Sport cooperates successfully with the majority of its external partners for many years. Among them figure Shell, Michelin, Mahle, Bosch and Dow, the most important technical partners of the R15 TDI project.
- Michelin
Michelin has been the exclusive tire partner to Audi Sport throughout Audi’s sports car era. The tires for the R15 TDITDISynonymous with muscular torque delivery and outstanding efficiency: TDI. Today, TDI engines are sporty, smooth and economical.TDI are also supplied by the French tire manufacturer, which is involved intentionally in sports prototypes because there is also still genuine competition among tire manufacturers in this category.
- Shell
With Shell yet another long-standing partner is on board. Shell V-Power Diesel is the official fuel of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In cooperation with Shell the engine fitted in the R15 TDI engine was tailored specifically to suit this high-quality synthetic fuel. A Biodiesel fuel of the second generation has been used at Le Mans since 2008 which features not only GTL but also BTL components. Furthermore, Audi Sport relies on the especially developed high performance lubrications from Shell Helix.
- Mahle
Mahle contributes the pistons which are extremely stressed in a race diesel engine.
- Bosch
Bosch contributes the engine management system as it did for the R8 and R10 TDI. The V10 TDI engine’s common-rail-system and the vehicle data logging (FDE) also originate from Bosch.
- Dow
The diesel particle filters (DPF), which are even smaller and more compact on the R15 TDI compared to the R10 TDI, are supplied once again by Dow Automotive.
- Further partners
The gearbox was developed in cooperation with X-trac as was the case with the R10 TDI. O.Z. supplies the wheels for the R15 TDI, PTC supports the project with its data archiving technology.
