Audi R8 Wins First Le Mans Enviro Prize
by Erin Courtenay - Madison, WI on 12. 1.05
It may not be a hybrid or run on biodiesel, but the super-fast Audi R8 received the first-ever environmental award from judges at France's prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Car Race. The race, which dates back to 1923 is a world class event in which high end racers from around the world compete to test driver and car endurance. The "Trophée pour l’Ecologie" was granted to the R8 team car for lowest fuel consumption in relation to the vehicle’s weight and average speed and the lowest possible engine noise. Is NASCAR next? Now that would be something… Via PaddockTalk
The tone of this post seems to be like WTF
Just so you know, with the R8 Audi developed Direct Injection for Gasoline Engines. They are the first to achieve this. They are using this technology to improve fuel economy for their commercial products.
Case in point - Audi is owned by VW. This Fall VW introduced a 1.4 liter 4 cyndler engine (available in the VW Golf in Europe) with 170 hp!
This Gasoline engine combines a turbocharger, a supercharger and Direct Fuel Injection (VW/Audi calls it FSI) to achieve 70 m.p.g.!
Honestly, I'd be happy if Nascar would stop using leaded fuel. Seriously, is that so much to ask? Audi devlops Direct Injection, and the good 'ol boys in America can't be bothered to give up their carburetors.