NEWS: I, Robot to Le Mans

By Michael Banovsky
Photo Courtesy Audi Canada

Finally, the news we've all been waiting for: Audi is to build the Le Mans concept car. The production version will be shown in late 2006, with customers taking delivery in 2007.

The engine has not yet been finalized, but Audi is keen not to take sales away from Lamborghini. The choices are rumoured to be the 414bhp 4.2L V8 from the new RS4, or the 444bhp W12.

Audi Chairman Dr Martin Winterkorn supposedly favours the W12, which also sees service in the VW Phaeton and (with 600bhp) in the VW Nardo speed record-holding concept car.

Audi expects to build and sell 3,000-5,000 examples yearly. The styling is finalized, and is described as 'much like the concept, but sportier'. It should be priced at about $140,000 Cdn., making it a direct competitor to the Porsche 911.

They are also eager to sell the car to race teams - especially with Le Mans privateers.

With the ever-dominant R8's successor in testing, Audi could no doubt sweep Le Mans with this new car.

Well the concept is called Le Mans, right?