The Future of Audi Sport

Toru Saito, President of Audi Japan, stated, "While recent industry attention is focused on autonomous driving and connectivity, the fundamental enjoyment of automobiles lies in 'driving,' 'cornering,' and 'braking.' I believe the pleasure of driving a car, of controlling it precisely as you wish, will endure." He then introduced the Audi Sport product lineup, which embodies this driving pleasure to its ultimate extent with the slogan 'Born on the track. Built for the road.' Saito emphasized that "the relationship between motorsport and car manufacturing has been inseparable since our founding in 1899 to this day," highlighting the inextricable link between Audi and motorsport.

Team TAISAN SARD

Stephan Winkelmann, who moved from Lamborghini to become Audi Sport Managing Director, also visited Japan for this press conference. He reflected on the past year and emphasized the importance of the Japanese market, stating, "Audi Sport achieved 18 percent growth in 2016 compared to the previous year, setting a new record. While we have doubled global sales of our high-performance models over the past five years, Japan is growing at an even faster pace, showing a 48 percent increase last year."

Saito added, "Last year, Audi Japan sold approximately 800 Audi Sport models (out of a total of about 28,000 Audi Japan units). This year, with the continuous domestic introduction of attractive new Audi Sport models, we expect to further enhance Audi's sporty brand image."

Towards Exclusive, High-Performance SUVs

In 2016, Audi Sport GmbH was renamed from quattro GmbH. As Saito explained, the "Sport" in its name signifies its core identity. Winkelmann further elaborated, "Motorsport is the root of our company, embedded in our DNA. It began with the legendary Silver Arrows of the 1930s, continued with the Audi quattro rally cars of the 1970s, and includes numerous victories in series like the WEC, leading to our present achievements."

Team TAISAN SARD

Team TAISAN SARD

Currently, Audi Sport is structured around four pillars: first, the R8 and RS models; second, customer racing; third, the customization program "Audi Exclusive Program"; and finally, the merchandise collection, "Audi Collection."

Regarding customer racing, Winkelmann reported, "In 2016, we secured 24 titles and achieved victory in a total of 85 races. We reached the podium more than 100 times, making it our most successful year."

Winkelmann outlined Audi Sport's future strategy, which will be developed around three core principles.

First, "We will prioritize exclusivity over volume." Second, "More SUVs. This is crucial for future success." And third, "We will focus on high-performance cars that can be used daily, rather than super sports cars." He explained, "High performance is our foundation. It's not just about design; it's about exceptional comfort, safety, and outstanding quality, making them suitable for everyday use." Winkelmann concluded, "Audi Sport is a brand that balances road cars and race cars."

BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP)

BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP)

Based on these strategies, "We aim to become a true global player by introducing eight models by the end of 2018."RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedanwill be followed by the "RS5 Coupe" which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Aiming for the SUPER GT GT300 Class Series Championship with the R8 LMS

As mentioned earlier, Audi Japan's motorsport activities are as follows. The "R8 LMS," which will compete in SUPER GT, was developed in parallel with the production model Audi "R8". The parts sharing rate between the two reaches 50 percent. It features the new generation Audi Space Frame (ASF), constructed from a composite of aluminum and CFRP. The naturally aspirated V10 5.2-liter engine delivers a maximum output of 585 ps. Furthermore, it boasts an exceptionally long overhaul interval of 20,000 km for a racing engine.

Audi Team Hitotsuyama

Audi Team Hitotsuyama

According to Saito, "In 2016, we won races such as the Sepang 12 Hours endurance race and the FIA GT World Cup, achieving a total of 24 titles." He also mentioned, "Counting from the first model in 2009, we have produced 200 units and supplied them to customer racing teams worldwide."

The teams participating in the SUPER GT GT300 class this year are "Audi Team Hitotsuyama," which has been competing with the Audi R8 LMS since 2012 and achieved 3rd place in both team and driver rankings in last year's GT300 class season, finishing as the top FIA GT3 entry; and "Team TAISAN SARD," entering its second year with a revamped driver lineup and enhanced competitiveness.

Audi Team Hitotsuyama's team director is Yu Okazawa, with drivers Richard Ryan and Masataka Yanagida. Director Okazawa commented, "Our sole ambition and goal for 2017 is to win the series championship. The machine remains the same, but we have further strengthened our mechanics and will continue our partnership with Dunlop tires. We have welcomed Masataka Yanagida to the team, alongside Richard Ryan, who enters his sixth year with the team. Yanagida is one of Japan's top drivers, having won the series championship twice in GT500 and twice in GT300. Together, these two will lead the team towards the championship."

Team TAISAN SARD

Team TAISAN SARD

Meanwhile, Team TAISAN SARD's team director is Hideki Noda, with drivers Shinsho Yamada and Jake Parsons. Team owner Yasunori Chiba stated, "Jake was born in 1994, the inaugural year of GT. He was recommended by friends in the Australian racing scene and came to Japan with a dream of competing in Japanese GT. With this lineup, Team TAISAN will strive to win its ninth GT300 championship."

Introducing the Newly Developed RS3 LMS in the Super Taikyu Series

The newly developed Audi RS3 LMS is a racing machine compliant with the TCR series, an FIA-sanctioned touring car championship. Like the Audi R8 LMS, its development was handled by Audi Sport, and it is designed to enable a wider range of motorsport fans to participate in racing. Saito explained its performance: "With a wide and low aerodynamic style, it boasts a 330 ps, 410 Nm 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TFSI engine paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The vehicle weight is kept down to 1,160 kg, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds."

Audi Team Dream Drive

Audi Team Dream Drive

Until last year, there was no category in Japan where this machine could compete. However, Saito stated, "This year, with the understanding and cooperation of the Super Taikyu Organization, which operates the Super Taikyu Series, we have been able to enter this machine in the newly established Super Endurance ST-R class in Japan." He expressed his hope that "more racing teams will compete and achieve success in Japanese racing with this Audi."

Two teams will compete in the newly established Super Endurance ST-R class this year. "Audi Team Dream Drive" will be led by team director Ehiro Sawada, with drivers Shozo Tagahara, Takuya Shirasaka, Naoto Takeda, and Yoshiyuki Okumura. "BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP)" will feature team director and driver Koichi Okumura, along with Kei Akiyoshi.

Director Sawada of Audi Team Dream Drive commented, "Although this is a new team formed with the establishment of the ST-R class, all staff involved in the race, including drivers and mechanics, are seasoned professionals. The opening race is this weekend, and both the team and the machine are in excellent condition."

BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP)

BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP)

Director Okumura of BIRTH RACING PROJECT (BRP) stated, "We officially announced our participation in January, and the past two months have been a whirlwind of car preparation, with immense effort from staff and drivers. The opening race at Twin Ring Motegi starts this weekend. Our rivals will be the Honda teams, as DOME has entered two Civics. It will be a direct battle between Audi and Honda. As Team Audi, we will work together to achieve a podium sweep with our two cars."

Finally, Saito concluded, "Audi Japan wishes the best of luck to all the teams introduced today and will continue to enhance our sporty brand through their support."