Audi Releases Photos of Le Mans Racer: R15 TDI Prototype Revealed

Few details accompanied Audi's release of full-liveried photos of its all new diesel-powered R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype race car. Set to debut next week at the 57th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring in south-central Florida, the R15 is lighter, smaller and slipperier than its predecessor - the venerable R10.

Audi Sport's design emphasis has been upon building a quick, nimble racecar. One important detail is the R15 will be sporting an all-new V10 of unannounced displacement to replace the 5.5-liter V12.

The R15 is the second generation of Audi's ground-breaking diesel-powered racecar, now locked in a fierce battle with the Peugeot 908 HDi for supremacy in the world of prototype sportscar racing. Three cars will be fielded by Audi Sport Team Joest at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June where Audi is defending champion.

At Sebring, Audi will face not only Peugeot but - for the only time in the U.S. this season - the American Le Mans Series LMP1 Acuras.