Audi has laid further important foundations on the way to its debut at the famous Dakar Rally in January 2022. The conception of the innovative prototype for the toughest marathon rally in the world has largely been completed. The first test drives are planned for the middle of the year. Andreas Roos, who was most recently responsible for the successful DTM program at Audi Sport, has taken over the project management for the company's motorsport activities.
Start in January 2022
"With the Dakar project, we at Audi are staying true to our philosophy of using new technologies in motorsport for the first time that are groundbreaking for series production," says Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH and responsible for all of Audi’s motorsport activities. “In our rally history, for example, this was the quattro drive, and now we will be testing components for future electric drives under extreme conditions at the Dakar Rally. At the same time we offer emotional experiences for our customers and fans. "
“The Dakar project is a huge challenge for the entire team,” says Andreas Roos. “We have a tight schedule to implement our innovative concept. We are the first car manufacturer to tackle the Dakar Rally with an electric drive train. Everyone in the team works at full throttle so that we are ready to go in time for Dakar 2022. "
Motor-Generator-Unit (MGU) from Formula E.
The motor generator unit (MGU) newly developed by Audi for the 2021 season from the current Formula E car is used in the innovative prototype - and in three ways: “We will each have an MGU on the front axle and one on the rear axle to have. A third MGU serves as a generator to charge the high-voltage battery while driving, ”says Roos. “Of course we have to make modifications because the desert has different challenges than the cities in which we are currently racing in Formula E: jumps, sand, the very long stages. But basically we can draw on the know-how from Formula E and also from our Le Mans outings with the e-tron Build quattro. "
The high-voltage battery is also developed by Audi itself. In Formula E, this is stipulated as a supplier part for all teams. The four-cylinder TFSI engine from the DTM supplies the energy for charging. "This engine is incredibly efficient and state of the art in terms of weight and consumption," says Andreas Roos. “It is important that our drive is fully electric - the TFSI engine is only used to charge the batteries in the special stages. The battery has to be charged while driving, as there are currently no other options in the desert. ”Audi plans to drive fully electric at all stages of the connection.
"The Dakar is unique and one of the last great adventures in the world," says Sven Quandt, who, together with his Q Motorsport team, will take on the Dakar Rally together with Audi Sport. "I am convinced that a car manufacturer can gain a lot by participating in the Dakar Rally - especially if you choose an innovative path like Audi with the electric drive train."
“A good partner strategy is crucial for success in motorsport,” says Julius Seebach. “With Q Motorsport we have gained an experienced partner with proven Dakar expertise. We plan to present our driver teams in May, who are also extremely important. "
The first prototype for the Dakar Rally is currently being built at Audi Sport in Neuburg an der Donau. The roll-out is planned for the end of June, the world premiere in July. An intensive test phase is then planned before the first use in the Dakar Rally is on the program in January 2022.
Of course that had not happened yet!
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