The most impressive feature is the 5.5-liter twin turbo charged V12 TDI. This new engine produces 650hp and 810 lb ft torque. Audi is using an aluminum block for this diesel power plant. Reliability is going to be the issue. The R8 never had an engine failure in 77 races. This is an almost impossible task to repeat.

Fuel mileage is much improved over the R8. The diesel is very efficient in part throttle conditions. This will be very beneficial to the team when they race at the smaller tracks. This advantage will be minimal at the faster tracks such as Le Sarthe that requires full throttle for much of the track.

Audi has tested the R10 at Sebring during winter testing last month. There were a few technical issues but they were fixed and the cars ran 86 laps.

The R10 is scheduled to participate at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring March 15-18. This race is the kick off for the 2006 American Le Mans Series. The 24 Hour of Le Mans is June 17 & 18 2006.

I look forward to seeing this car in person when the ALMS makes it to my town.

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