Audi has outlined further details for its LMDh program, stating that the target is to have the first rollout in the first quarter of 2022.
The German manufacturer announced its intention to return to top level prototype racing late last year, with Audi now saying that the concept stage for the project has been ‘largely completed’.
“The new LMDh category fits perfectly with our new set-up in motorsport,” says Julius Seebach, Managing Director at Audi Sport GmbH. “The regulations allow us to field fascinating race cars in prestigious races worldwide. In addition, we are making use of synergies inside the Volkswagen Group with our partner strategy.”
Seebach goes on to say that it has opted to partner with Porsche for the development of its prototype, which is also working an on LMDh prototype to be used in the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship.
“A great strengh of the Volkswagen Group is the collaboration of the brands in the development of road cars,” says Seebach. “We are now transferring this proven model to motorsport.
“Nevertheless, the new sports prototype will be just as much a genuine Audi as the Audi RS e-tron GT that was launched recently and has also been developed on a platform shared with Porsche.”
Rollout and testing in 2022, racing in 2023
Audi states that it intends to start racing its yet unnamed prototype at the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona, with rollout in the first quarter of 2022 followed by an intensive test program.
“We have selected a chassis partner and decided on an engine concept. Together with our colleagues from Audi Design, we are currently defining the look which will excite our fans,” says Audi Sport’s Andreas Roos. “Our goal is for the first prototype to be on its wheels early next year and to complete its roll-out in the first quarter.”
Customer racing, responsible for multiple Audi Le Mans wins early in its Le Mans prototype success during the 2000s, is a significant area of focus according to Roos.
“With the LMDh project, we are continuing the philosophy of our early years in sports prototypes,” says Roos. “The Audi R8 was not only the most successful prototype of its time from 2000 to 2006, with 63 victories in 80 races, but it was also very successful in the hands of our customers and easy for the teams to handle.
“This is also the premise with the electrification of our new sports prototype.
“Our goal is to also put the car in the hands of professional customer teams right from the start, in parallel to factory entries.
“We are currently evaluating internally how this will work in detail.”
