Audi’s menacing 2014 R18 e-tron quattro diesel hybrid tries for third Le Mans victory

By Stephen Edelstein December 9, 2013

2014 audi r18 e tron quattro hybrid endurance racer unveiled — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yup, it’s a hybrid.

The 2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro is latest effort from the company’s unbelievably-successful endurance racing program, and possibly the most intimidating-looking hybrid ever built.

Audi introduced the R18 e-tron quattro for the 2012 racing season, and for 2014 it gets numerous updates to meet new World Endurance Championship (WEC) regulations, and to generally improve the car’s efficiency.

The R18 will continue to use a diesel engine for primary propulsion, with a flywheel-based hybrid system for part-time electric assist. The diesel engine powers the rear wheels, while the electric motor powers the fronts, giving the car all-wheel drive.

On the track, the hybrid system reduces fuel consumption, and the electric motors’ low-end torque helps accelerate the car out of corners faster.

The updated version will race in (WEC) events, including there series’ signature event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. If past experiences are any indication, the revised R18 should fare pretty well.

The R18 e-tron quattro won its Le Mans debut in 2012, beating rival hybrids from Toyota and a field of conventional cars. It was the first hybrid to win the race, and it wasn’t a fluke: Audi won the race again in 2013.

In fact, Audi has amassed 12 Le Mans victories since 2000, making it second only to Porsche’s 16 wins. Audi is currently the overachiever of endurance racing; in 2006 it also became the first manufacturer to win with a diesel car, paving the way for the current R18.

The 2014 R18 e-tron quattro is currently undergoing testing at Sebring, but American fans won’t get to see it race. U.S. endurance racing was recently reorganized under the TUDOR United SportsCar Series, and European LMP1 cars like the R18 are verboten.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.