Audi RC8 2.0 TFSI engine

[4] Shortly before the project's launch, the course has been set in terms of crucial elements of a joint future of the DTM and the Japanese Super GT racing series according to the Class 1 regulations.

The initial and key element of the mission: a new two-litre four-cylinder internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger for racing, starting in the 2017 DTM season that was envisaged at that time.

Since 2008, Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport for more than 30 years, and his team have been pursuing the project of a successor to the four-litre V8 power-plant that has been used in the DTM since 2000.

The final rig testing stage for the new engine starts in the summer of 2017: the interaction between the turbo four-cylinder unit and the proven sequential six-speed gearbox is brought into perfect harmony.

Audi Sport uses an axle test rig for this purpose on which the entire propulsion system is ‘driven’ with absolute realism and made ready for racing.

In terms of weight and lightweight design – especially under the aspect of avoiding CO2 emissions – we’re pointing out a few approaches that in future will hopefully also find their way into road cars – as in the case of the first TFSI for Le Mans and TDI,” emphasises chief engine developer Ulrich Baretzky.

The key differences between it and the 2018-spec car: the entire front end has been modified to suit the more compact four-cylinder turbo power-plant and its higher cooling requirements.

These modified components are also specification parts, just like the monocoque, safety cage, catalytic converter, powertrain, gearbox, brakes, suspensions, rims, wheels and fuel tank.