New Audi R18 LMS racer revealed

Tick your company car box with 'Audi' and 'diesel', and you'd expect an A4 with 2.0-litre four-pot, right? Not so Allan McNish. The two-time Le Mans 24hr winner and Audi Motorsport driver has just taken delivery of his new company car, the Audi R18.

The R18 is the first 'closed roof' Le Mans racer run by the Audi factory team and features a 3.7-litre V6 TDI (down from last season's 5.5-litre V10 diesel) coupled to a six-speed box. The one-piece body allows for greater weight savings, while the chassis and aerodynamics were developed using previous 'R' models.

Interestingly, this R18 has also been designed for 'progressive electrification' as long as "it provides a true advantage". Don't forget, Audi has won the Le Mans 24hrs a staggering nine times from 12 attempts.

The R18 will make its debut next year for an official test on 24 April ready for the race in June. For now, take a moment to ogle its rather delectable shape.