Audi A4 DTM – a masterpiece
It is barely a year old and already a great: On Wednesday, the Audi A4 DTM was the star of the AUDI AG work’s meeting alongside its six drivers. And all this for good reason, as the most spectacular version of the successful A4 model made a dream start in Europe’s most popular touring car series: The powerful A4 DTM, with almost 460 hp, won all the titles during its debut year in the DTM. “One could hardly do it,” says Audi Motorsport Head Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich proudly, “better”.
The Audi Sport team, with almost 150 employees, has once again created a masterpiece in the form of the Audi A4 DTM. And this is not a coincidence: Whether Audi quattro, Audi R8 or now the Audi A4 DTM: For more than two decades and in close cooperation with AUDI AG Technical Development, Audi Sport has produced winners for motorsport, from which Audi customers benefit. quattro drive and FSI technology are only two examples of successful technology transfers between the victorious motorsport involvement and volume car production. Even for laymen, the family resemblance of the Audi A4 DTM and the production model is visible at first glance. Nevertheless, the 1080 kilogram DTM car, which includes the weight of the driver, is a thoroughbred race car into which every drop of know-how acquired by the AUDI AG engineers over the years flowed. In this case, it is not so easy to demonstrate “Vorsprung durch Technik” in the DTM. Equipment and performance parity and cost-consciousness is priority number one in the top class of touring cars. The budgets required are therefore calculable, the latitude for the engineers small. But this is exactly what makes it interesting again: Even the tiniest of details plays a decisive role in the DTM. As a result, the Audi Sport technicians presented numerous innovative detail solutions on the Audi A4 DTM, which were, in part, even copied by the competition during the season and will also be adopted by them next year.
Audi’s most important motorsport successes
China GT Championship (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner Circuit Hero One (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner DMV GTC Dunlop 60 (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner Eset V4 Cup (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner Eset V4 Cup Endurance (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner FFSA GT4 France Pro-Am (Audi R8 LMS GT4) Winner FIA CEZ (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner FIA CEZ Endurance (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner GT4 European Series Silver (Audi R8 LMS GT4) Winner GT Masters Asia (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner GT Sweden (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge TCR (Audi RS 3 LMS) Winner New Zealand Endurance Championship (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner Pirelli World Challenge GTS (Audi R8 LMS GT4) Winner Pirelli World Challenge GTS Sprint (Audi R8 LMS GT4) Winner Pirelli World Challenge GTS SprintX (Audi R8 LMS GT4) Winner South Island Endurance Series Three Hour (Audi R8 LMS GT3) Winner TCR Benelux (Audi RS 3 LMS) Winner TCR Russia (Audi RS 3 LMS) Winner Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Sports Cars (Audi R8 LMS GT3) 2017 Winner Drivers, Manufacturers and Teams classification DTM (Audi RS 5 DTM) Winner Nürburgring 24 Hours (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Spa 24 Hours (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Australian GT (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Canarian Hill Climb Championship (Audi R8 LMS) Winner China GT Championship (Audi R8 LMS) Winner DMV GTC (Audi R8 LMS) Winner DMV GTC Dunlop 60 (Audi R8 LMS) Winner FIA European Hillclimb Championship (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Intercontinental GT Challenge (Audi R8 LMS) Winner North Island Endurance Series Three Hour (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Saudi GT (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Three Hour Endurance Championship (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Sports Cars (Audi R8 LMS) Winner Pirelli World Challenge TC (Audi RS 3 LMS) Winner TCR China (Audi RS 3 LMS) Winner TCR Russia (Audi RS 3 LMS) 2016 3rd in Le Mans 24 Hours (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) Winner Manufacturers and Teams classification DTM (Audi RS 5 DTM) Winner Drivers and Manufacturers Classification
Videos for your search
DTM Best Moments part 1 of 5: Audi V8 quattro DTM with Hans-Joachim Stuck
Winners - Audi motorsport highlights 2013
FIA Rallycross Barcelona: Ekström wins and reclaims championship lead
Audi Sport to enter World RX
Swedish team EKS to receive factory backing Mattias Ekström in 2017 concurrently active again in DTM and FIA World RX
AUDI AG will be providing factory support to Mattias Ekström’s rallycross project EKS starting in the 2017 season. As a result, Audi Sport, in addition to its commitments in Formula E and the DTM, will be competing in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX) in the future as well.
Long-standing Audi factory driver Mattias Ekström had formed EKS at the beginning of 2014, subsequently leading the squad to the top spot in the world rankings with great personal commitment within the space of only three years. In the 2016 season, EKS, with the Audi S1 EKS RX quattro, won both the drivers’ and the teams’ world championships against strong competition from Ford, Peugeot, Volkswagen and numerous privateer teams. “We realize that it’s going to be increasingly difficult for EKS to hold its own against the factory teams, so we chose to intensify our World RX commitment,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. Mattias Ekström feels that his dedication has proved him right: “We laid a lot of groundwork as a team in the first three years, gathered important experiences and set new standards with EKS. But it was also clear to us that we’d need support for the future in order to be able to continue on this level. That EKS is now receiving factory backing by Audi makes me very happy. I’m convinced that rallycross has a great future, also with respect to potential electrification.”
While EKS already had access to Audi Sport suppliers and partners before, the further technical development of the all-wheel driven Audi S1 EKS RX quattro will now take place with support from the motorsport department of Audi. Alongside his factory-backed involvement in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, Mattias Ekström will be retained by Audi as a DTM driver as well. The Swede has extended his driver agreement, tackling his 17th DTM season in 2017.
Audi R18 e-tron quattro with laser light
Audi brings new lighting technology to Le Mans WEC, DTM and GT sport in focus again in 2014 Development Board Member Dr. Hackenberg: “Motorsport accelerates our developments” Head of Sport Dr. Ullrich: “A year full of challenges is awaiting us”
At the world premiere of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Audi unveiled another technical highlight of its new LMP1 sports car in Ingolstadt on Wednesday night. In 2014, the brand with the four rings will be running with laser light for the first time in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
“By using this new lighting technology Audi is setting yet another milestone at Le Mans,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board for Technical Development of AUDI AG, at the official presentation of the new R18 e-tron quattro that took place as part of the ‘Audi Sport Finale.’ Laser light will also open up completely new possibilities for our production models in the future. Once more, motorsport at Audi accelerates a new technical development for our customers.” The innovative laser light, which about 500 guests in attendance at the ‘Audi Sport Finale’ had the chance to experience live for the first time, complements the main LED headlights of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro. A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens through which the light beam is then emitted. This new light source provides even more homogenous lighting of the road. Laser light just one of numerous innovations of the new R18 “The new laser light is just one of numerous technical innovations featured by our new R18,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who was recognized by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg on Wednesday night on the occasion of his 20th anniversary at the helm of Audi Sport. “We’re not going to reveal any more than that at this early stage, as in 2014 we’re facing an extremely tough competition and a year full of challenges for Audi Sport.”
Audi presents the new A4 DTM
The Audi A4 DTM is unveiled to the public on Tuesday within the framework of the official DTM presentation in Hamburg. The two works teams Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline and Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest present their new 2004 DTM (German Touring Car Masters) race cars for the first time in their partners’ colours. The two A4 DTM cars of Christian Abt and Tom Kristensen start in the typical yellow outfit of the Hasseröder Brewery. The cars of Mattias Ekström and Martin Tomczyk are painted in metallic-blue and carry the logos of Red Bull and PlayStation 2. The silver A4 cars of Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest, driven by Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro, race under the "S line” banner of the quattro GmbH.
Although the DTM technical regulations allow the engineers very little room for manoeuvre, Audi Sport has managed to develop a DTM touring car that differs in many respects to the competitors’ cars. Furthermore, the team of Audi Motorsport Head Dr Wolfgang Ullrich won the first race against time: The new Audi A4 DTM successfully completed its roll-out just before Christmas and, as a result, earlier than the cars of their rivals. That the A4 DTM, developed under the supervision of Wolfgang Appel (Vehicle Technology), Ulrich Baretzky (Engine Technology) and Stefan Aicher (Technical Project Leader), possesses the necessary genes to follow on in the wheel tracks of the successful R8 sports car project were clearly displayed at the first encounter with the competition: The new Audi touring car topped the time sheets after four days of testing at Estoril (Portugal). "However, only at the season opening Hockenheim race on April 18 will we definitely know where we stand,” qualifies Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. The Audi Sport engineers were able to resource their wealth of information from the touring car days during the A4 DTM car’s development.
Successes spanning more than a century
The success story of AUDI AG in motorsport Victories and titles since the beginning of the last century
Audi is positioning itself as the sportiest manufacturer in the premium segment and has a perfect basis for this: motorsport. Sportiness, advanced technology and emotional design are the foundations for the success of the Audi brand. Valuable genes for this come from motor racing.
Entering the premier class of motorsport Audi is facing what is arguably its biggest challenge in motorsport. From the 2026 season, the brand will be competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with its own works team. Development of the drive unit (“Power Unit”) is in full swing at the Neuburg an der Donau site. Thanks to open competition, Formula 1 serves as a technology driver for both electromobility and sustainable e-fuels. Success with electric drive concepts Sustainability does not only play an important role in the premier class of motorsport. The company began electrifying its motorsport program in endurance racing in 2012. With the first victory of a hybrid racing car at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi achieved a pioneering feat at the world’s most important endurance race in 2012. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro remained unbeaten three times in a row at Le Mans in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Many other innovations such as the Audi laser light complement the pioneering technical achievements. Drivers and manufacturers titles with the hybrid sports car in the 2012 and 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) complete the Audi sports car era, which ended in 2016. Following the LMP program with the R18 hybrid sports car, Audi was the first German car manufacturer to compete in the all-electric Formula E racing series in the 2017/2018 season. With four victories and a total of eleven podium finishes, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler clinched the team championship after twelve races.
Images for your search
Audi DTM Champions
Audi DTM Champions
DTM Avus 1990
DTM Norisring 2015
Young classics from Audi Sport racing legends for an exclusive clientele
Sale of exclusive racing cars from Le Mans and DTM International customers can become part of Audi Sport Exclusive support beyond delivery
Audi Sport is breaking new ground: for the first time in history, LMP and DTM prototypes from the former factory racing programs are available for purchase as exclusive objects in drivable condition. The newly created Audi Sport racing legends project team is building up these fascinating prototypes with manufacturer expertise for a select circle of collectors. Following the program presentation on April 2 in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi Sport will present itself at three international classic car events in Germany, France and Great Britain. The first example is to be handed over in the middle of the year.
Audi Sport makes dreams come true: Lovers of prototypes from the brand’s earlier factory programs can now fulfill unique wishes under the sign of the four rings. They not only become owners, but also part of one of Audi Sport’s most successful eras by purchasing an original chassis. “We are rebuilding these chassis together with reconditioned parts from that time into racing cars according to strict standards and with a high level of expertise,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “In some cases, even the developers from that era are involved in the current projects. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the RS 5 DTM are two of the fastest racing cars we have ever built. Customers can look forward not only to extremely sought-after racing cars, but also to a firework display of driving emotions. Our customers become part of a select circle, benefit from our motorsport expertise and receive comprehensive support.” Audi has clinched victories at Le Mans and championship titles in the DTM with these types of racing cars. The winning examples from this era remain in AUDI AG’s vehicle collection – looked after, kept running and used at events by Audi Tradition.
Motorsport history
Audi is positioning itself as the sportiest manufacturer in the premium segment and has a perfect basis for this: motorsport. Sportiness, advanced technology and emotional design are the foundations for the success of the Audi brand. Valuable genes for this come from motor racing.
MediaInfos
Successes spanning more than a century
Audi’s most important motorsport successes
Entering the premier class of motorsport
Audi is facing what is arguably its biggest challenge in motorsport. From the 2026 season, the Audi Revolut F1 Team will be competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with its own works team. Development of the drive unit (“Power Unit”) is in full swing at the Neuburg an der Donau site. Thanks to open competition, Formula 1 serves as a technology driver for both electromobility and sustainable e-fuels. Photo: Audi R26 Concept
Milestones
Success with electric drive concepts
Sustainability does not only play an important role in the premier class of motorsport. The company began electrifying its motorsport program in endurance racing in 2012. With the first victory of a hybrid racing car at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi achieved a pioneering feat at the world’s most important endurance race in 2012. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro remained unbeaten three times in a row at Le Mans in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Many other innovations such as the Audi laser light complement the pioneering technical achievements. Drivers and manufacturers titles with the hybrid sports car in the 2012 and 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) complete the Audi sports car era, which ended in 2016. Following the LMP program with the R18 hybrid sports car, Audi was the first German car manufacturer to compete in the all-electric Formula E racing series in the 2017/2018 season. With four victories and a total of eleven podium finishes, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler clinched the team championship after twelve races.