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Audi bosses have given the green light to the spectacular Audi Le Mans quattro supercar
A recent prototype of the car has been driven by Audi
chairman Dr Martin Winterkorn and VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder in
the past two weeks, and both have agreed that the car should be
committed to production. The Le Mans Quattro is expected to arrive
in final production form in late 2006, with deliveries to
customers likely in the first half of 2007.
Although the aluminium spaceframe concept car – first shown at the
Frankfurt show in September 2003 – was powered by a 610bhp
twin-turbo V10 engine, Audi sources say that no decision has been
made over the car’s motive power – the project’s engineers have
eight-, 10- 12- and 16-cylinder engines at their disposal.
However, it’s rumoured that the 444bhp W12 unit is a favourite of
Winterkorn’s. There’s also the new RS4’s 414bhp 4.2-litre V8 which
could be suitable. Audi sources told Autocar that it was mindful
of carefully positioning the Le Mans in the market, especially as
Lamborghini is also part of the VW Group.
Company insiders are exceptionally confident of the Le Mans’
potential, saying it is aimed squarely at Porsche and Ferrari.
Production volumes – and a price – have not yet been set, but we
have told to expect an output of between 3000 and 5000 per year in
both left- and right-hand drive depending on demand. Prices could
start at around £60,000, making the entry-level car a direct rival
for Porsche’s 911.
The styling has been finalised and is described as ‘a bit more
sporty, but essentially the same shape’.
Although the first
version will be a fixed-head coupé, plans for a drophead are
already being considered. And although Audi won’t run a factory
race team, the company would ‘quite like’ to see privateers
running the Le Mans.
