a007apl
06-19-2005, 01:26 AM
"It looks like a Lamborghini Gallardo, but beneath the wedgy bodywork caught testing at the Nürburgring is Audi’s road-going supercar, called Le Mans in honor of the company’s string of wins there. Codenamed AU714, the new two-seater will arrive in Germany late in 2006, prior to going on sale in North America at prices expected to compete with the Porsche 911. The Le Mans is based on the Gallardo. The two cars will share an aluminum space frame, steel floorpan, lightweight wiring loom, brake system and intricate double-wishbone suspension.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2004/1206/spy_lemans.jpg
Audi’s Le Mans supercar test mule, based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and patterned after the Le Mans concept that claimed AutoWeek’s Best Concept award at the ’03 Frankfurt show.
However, Audi sources say new engines and a high-tech electromagnetic damping system will provide the Le Mans with a vastly different character than has the Gallardo. Audi’s harmoniously styled aluminum bodyshell will look similar to that seen on the well-received Le Mans concept shown at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.
Audi is working on two naturally aspirated engines. The show car had a 5.0-liter, 610-hp twin-turbo V10. Early models will more likely employ the company’s 4.2-liter V8 tuned to develop 425 hp. A new 5.2-liter V10 is also under development, with a target output of 520 hp, 100 more than a 911 Turbo.
Power will go to all four wheels via a second-generation DSG (double shift gearbox), re-engineered to handle the Le Mans’ high torque loads and provide quicker shifts. Audi is also preparing a new active damping system. Called Magnesport, it’s akin to the Magneride on GM’s Corvette, using electromagnetic impulses to continuously alter the viscosity of the oil in the dampers. This will provide a smoother ride than Gallardo, despite the Le Mans running on 20-inch wheels and tires."
http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2004/1206/spy_lemans.jpg
Audi’s Le Mans supercar test mule, based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and patterned after the Le Mans concept that claimed AutoWeek’s Best Concept award at the ’03 Frankfurt show.
However, Audi sources say new engines and a high-tech electromagnetic damping system will provide the Le Mans with a vastly different character than has the Gallardo. Audi’s harmoniously styled aluminum bodyshell will look similar to that seen on the well-received Le Mans concept shown at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.
Audi is working on two naturally aspirated engines. The show car had a 5.0-liter, 610-hp twin-turbo V10. Early models will more likely employ the company’s 4.2-liter V8 tuned to develop 425 hp. A new 5.2-liter V10 is also under development, with a target output of 520 hp, 100 more than a 911 Turbo.
Power will go to all four wheels via a second-generation DSG (double shift gearbox), re-engineered to handle the Le Mans’ high torque loads and provide quicker shifts. Audi is also preparing a new active damping system. Called Magnesport, it’s akin to the Magneride on GM’s Corvette, using electromagnetic impulses to continuously alter the viscosity of the oil in the dampers. This will provide a smoother ride than Gallardo, despite the Le Mans running on 20-inch wheels and tires."