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December 11, 2014
Invitation to the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans Special Public Viewing | Audi
Audi
Invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012 Special Public Viewing
We are hosting a public viewing of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) "24 Hours of Le Mans 2012" on June 17th at "Audi Forum Tokyo" (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo). Special guests include race driver Hiroki Kato and motorsport journalist Jiro Takahashi. Enjoy Le Mans with drinks and light snacks at this event. OPENERS is inviting 15 pairs (30 people) to attend.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
The Noteworthy "Audi R18 e-tron quattro" Competes at Le Mans
Did you know that Audi excels in motorsport?
Audi's brand slogan is "Vorsprung durch Technik" (Advancement through Technology), and this strongly implies that their technology is primarily derived from racing and then incorporated into their production cars. In fact, Audi refers to racing as a "testing ground for technology."
Looking back, the four-wheel-drive system, "Audi quattro," which is now used in many of their models, was a technology that achieved success in rallying in the 1980s. It overturned the prevailing notion that four-wheel-drive systems were complex and heavy, establishing its reputation by winning the drivers' titles in 1983 and 1984, and the manufacturers' titles in 1982 and 1984 in the WRC (World Rally Championship).
In recent years, they have demonstrated the capabilities of their "TFSI" gasoline direct-injection engines and "TDI" diesel engines in racing. Technologies like "ultra" for lightweight construction and the "e-tron" hybrid system, which are familiar names in their production cars, are also heard of in the racing arena.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a stage where Audi's prowess as a motorsport brand is fully showcased.
In 1999, they entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series with the "Audi R8" (note: this is a race car, distinct from the production car of the same name). In endurance races where mechanical issues are prone to occur, the adoption of modular parts provided a significant advantage, making the car less likely to retire. They achieved a 1-2-3 finish in 2000, a 1-2 finish in 2001, and another 1-2-3 finish in 2002.
In 2006, they entered Le Mans with its successor model, the "Audi R10 TDI." As the name suggests, this was a diesel-powered model, and it achieved the first overall victory for a diesel car.
Furthermore, its successor, the "Audi R15 TDI," achieved a 1-2-3 finish in 2010. In 2011, the "Audi R18 TDI," which featured a closed-cockpit design, secured the overall victory.
And this year, 2012, Audi is competing at Le Mans with the "Audi R18 ultra," an improved version of the "Audi R18," and the "Audi e-tron quattro" which features a hybrid four-wheel-drive system where the rear wheels are driven by a TDI engine and the front wheels by an electric motor. In the recent open test sessions, they dominated the top three lap times. Their biggest rival is the Toyota Racing "TS 030 – HYBRID" from Japan. In the same test runs, Toyota secured fourth and fifth place, and they too are a hybrid car.
At the "Audi Forum Tokyo," the venue for this public viewing, race driver Hiroki Kato will also be present to provide commentary.
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a grueling race on public roads, complete with drinks and special commentary in a distinctive setting. For those who haven't previously been interested in motorsport, why not experience the cutting edge of technology that shapes tomorrow's automobiles and the human endeavor that masters it?
Please apply using the form below. Be sure to enter your email address and name.
The deadline is Wednesday, June 13th.
Winners will be notified directly by our publication.
Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.
Date and Time:
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Doors open 20:00 / Scheduled to end 23:00
*Minors are not permitted to attend this event.
*As alcoholic beverages will be served, please refrain from coming by car.

Venue:
Audi Forum Tokyo, 2F Branding Floor
6-12-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 7 of Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines; 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
*Parking is not available on-site. If arriving by car, please use nearby parking facilities.


