2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro Revealed

Photo: Audi

Audi has taken the wraps off its new-for-2014 R18 e-tron quattro ahead of testing this week at Sebring International Raceway.

The car, which will retain the same naming as its previous FIA World Endurance Championship-winning model, turned its first laps in October and will now take to the 3.7-mile airfield circuit for a series of endurance tests.

“We’ve reached a crucial stage in this project,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “After building the first prototype, testing on various race tracks is now taking center-stage.

“The tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out an efficiency-optimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one.”

The official launch of the car is expected to come on Dec. 18, where the team’s driver lineup will also be confirmed.

It’s understood Porsche will also be testing at Sebring this week with its 911 RSR in preparation for its new factory effort in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Porsche canceled its LMP1 test at the airfield circuit, which was scheduled for last week.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John