Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro No. 1 - A 24 Hours of Le Mans legend
This magnificent Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro model car faithfully reproduces the winning car at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by the trio of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer, and Benoît Tréluyer. This 1:43 scale reproduction perfectly captures the essence of this revolutionary prototype in its iconic white and gray livery.
A true collector's item for endurance enthusiasts, this model car represents a major turning point in the history of motorsport with the advent of hybrid technology in high-level competition.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro n°1
- Brand: Audi
- Year: 2012
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: White and gray
- Drivers: M. Fässler / A. Lotterer / B. Tréluyer
- Protective case included: Yes
The Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro: Pioneer of hybrid endurance racing
Launched in 2012, the Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro marked a technological revolution in the world of sports prototypes. This car ushered in the era of hybrid propulsion at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, combining a 3.7-liter V6 TDI diesel engine with a revolutionary electric energy recovery system for the time.
The R18 e-Tron stands out for its electric quattro system: the front wheels are driven exclusively by two electric motors powered by a flywheel, while the rear wheels receive power from the combustion engine. This configuration provides temporary all-wheel drive during acceleration, providing a decisive advantage when exiting corners.
From its first appearance, this technology allowed Audi to dominate the Le Mans race, demonstrating the viability and efficiency of hybrid systems in high-level motor racing.
Audi: German excellence in endurance
In 2012, Audi Sport already confirmed its absolute domination at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its tenth victory since 2000. The brand with the four rings had revolutionized endurance racing in 2006 by introducing diesel engines with the R10 TDI, shaking up the established codes of motorsport.
This period marked the peak of Audi's endurance racing strategy , using Le Mans as a technological laboratory to develop innovations that could be directly transferred to its production vehicles. The Ingolstadt brand's involvement in the World Endurance Championship demonstrates its commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and energy efficiency.
A victory that will make history
The victory of the No. 1 Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans will go down in history as the first success for a hybrid car in this legendary race. This race marked a decisive turning point, paving the way for a new technological era in motorsport.
The Fässler-Lotterer-Tréluyer trio, nicknamed the "Three Musketeers" by fans, achieved a historic double by also winning the race in the No. 2 R18 e-Tron. This unchallenged domination perfectly illustrates Audi's technical superiority at the time.
The impact of this victory extends beyond purely sporting events: it demonstrates to the general public that hybrid technologies are not incompatible with pure performance. This race directly influences the development of future hybrid supercars and accelerates the adoption of these technologies by the automotive industry.
A fun fact: during free practice, the drivers were surprised to discover that their car could run in 100% electric mode in the pit lane speed limits, offering an unexpected strategic advantage and a disturbing silence that contrasted with the roar of rival engines.
Complete your collection of exceptional model cars
This Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro naturally finds its place alongside other legendary endurance cars . It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to the 24 Hours of Le Mans or Audi competition models .
For racing car enthusiasts, this model car sits harmoniously alongside other modern-day prototypes, including the Porsche 919 Hybrid and the Toyota TS050. Collectors will also appreciate complementing it with the other models in the R18 range, demonstrating Audi's technological evolution in endurance racing.
This reproduction is aimed at both seasoned collectors and modern motorsport enthusiasts, offering a tangible testimony to technological innovation in the service of performance. Its presence in a display case immediately evokes this pivotal period when racing cars definitively embraced the future, marking the transition to the technologies of the future .
