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24 Hours of Le Mans Underway, Hybrids Kicking Ass Already

June 16, 2012 by 8 Comments
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After weeks of waiting, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is finally here. And it is an extra-special race this year what with hybrid race cars from both Audi and Toyota taking to the field, as well as the experimental Nissan DeltaWing. So far, the hybrid cars are putting on an impressive showing, with the No. 18 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro taking the 1st place pole position during qualifying, following by a non-hybrid Audi R18, and then one of the two Toyota TS030 hybrids. That means of the top three qualifying cars, two were hybrids.

Now that the race is officially underway though, it seems that the two Audi hybrids are proving more resilient and reliable than the non-hybrid R18 Ultras. Both R18 Ultras are down and out as of this writing due to mechanical troubles, while the two Audi e-tron hybrids are currently in the lead. Nipping on their heels though are the two Toyota TS030 hybrids, who are opening an ever-widening gap between the hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles.

In other words, just a few hours into the race the hybrids are already kicking ass.

And what of the experimental Nissan DeltaWing? It too is doing rather well, running towards the back of the LMP class but ahead of the GT racers, putting it solidly in the middle. The DeltaWing has had a few teething issues, but so far it is putting in an impressive performance. This Le Mans race is already proving to be an exciting competition of speed and new technology, but the race has only just begun, and anything can happen.

For my money though, I am rooting for Toyota. I know, right? But Audi has dominated Le Mans for most of the past decade…I’d love to see Toyota’s hybrids usurp the crown, especially after such a long absence from Le Mans racing. Of course I’m rooting for my boys in Corvette Racing, who runs on E85 ethanol, as well. The Corvettes are currently in third place in the GT class, about a minute behind the lap leader.

Watch the whole 24 Hours of Le Mans via live stream here. Hope you can speak French!

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About Christopher DeMorro

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs. You can follow his slow descent into madness and non-nonsensical ramblings on Twitter @harshcougar.

  • http://neilblanchard.blogspot.com/ NeilBlanchard

    You can watch the entire race live here, with French and English commentary:

    http://live.lemans-tv.com/

    Enjoy!

    The DeltaWing is out on the track, but it’s video channel is showing a view of the pits, last I checked.

    Neil

  • Bob Baldwin

    I will be following the Delta Wing progress all through the 24 hour race

  • Yannick

    Sorry but hybrids kick-ass only because the regulation is in their favor !
    Diesel engines are clearly favored over gazoline, and hybrid is only a tweak of these diesel.
    I am glad to see hybrids running and winning, but don’t shout out loud they kick-ass because it’s not a fair competition.

    • http://www.sublimeburnout.com Christopher DeMorro

      @ Yannick

      Actually, the ACO had to severely restrict when and where the hybrids can use their extra power, as per this post:

      http://gas2.org/2012/06/04/24-hours-of-lemans-scared-of-hybrid-advantage-limits-use/

      Even so, it is obvious that the hybrid vehicles have a huge advantage over the competition. Le Mans isn’t just about speed, it is about efficiency, which is why the diesels consistently out-perform their race gas-competitors. Fewer pits = more laps, and those little bursts of extra power come from flywheels, not the fuel tank. I predict it will make a big difference at the end of 24 hours.

  • Bob Baldwin

    1/2 way through and it looks more like a DEMOLITION DERBY than a race
    Hydrogen / Electric cars for next teay ?

    toyota’s both gone early

  • Remo

    I’m happy that the hybrids are in the race at least with racing it will only make them better.

  • http://ceorg-europe.org ceorg-europe

    that car is kicking ass with its racing and with it awesome looks! anyone agree that the car looks like a bosses car?

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