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Audi unveils new R18 Le Mans racer

Audi has revealed its 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours car - the R18.

The most powerful and efficient race car Audi has ever built has been 'fundamentally re-designed' by Audi Sport. Featuring 'innovative aerodynamics' representing the next stage in lightweight design and a modified hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries for energy storage, there is also an efficiency-optimised TDI engine.

"With our new Audi R18, we're setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI - the world's most successful automotive efficiency technology - at Le Mans," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

In the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) that will start at Silverstone (Great Britain) on April 17, Audi Sport Team Joest will be fielding two new Audi R18 cars. In the interest of maximum cost efficiency, Audi and its Group sister brand Porsche, have both agreed to each compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the WEC season's pinnacle event, with only two instead of the most recent three cars.

"We're proud about being able to again represent the Audi brand in 2016 with such an extensive commitment in motorsport," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "The new Audi R18 marks a major step that we're expecting a lot of at Le Mans and in the WEC. In the DTM, we already had the strongest car in 2015. That's what we'd like to build upon. Plus, the high demand for the new Audi R8 LMS is equally gratifying as the many young talents that are interested in the Audi Sport TT Cup."

Sports Car, News

Porsche reveals Cayman Black Edition

Joining the all-in-black special series which already includes the Boxster and the 911 Carrera, Porsche has unveiled the new Black Edition Cayman.

Distinguished by a combination of a black paint finish and black partial leather interior, the Cayman Black Edition also features additional special equipment fitted as standard.

Powered by the 2.7-litre flat-six engine developing 275 hp, the Black edition rides on 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels with wider tyres, which are said to boost the Cayman's dynamic chassis responses. Further highlights include Bi-Xenon headlights with PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) and optional side window trims in aluminium. 

Special standard equipment includes the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with satellite navigation (with Online services featuring real-time traffic information), automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirrors, rain sensor, cruise control, front and rear ParkAssist and a Sport Design steering wheel. 

An upgraded Sound Package Plus audio system, two-zone climate control, heated seats and Bluetooth phone connectivity complete the equipment list for this special edition of Porsche's mid-engined, two-seat sports coupé.

The Cayman Black Edition is on sale now in Porsche Centres, priced from £45,989 RRP.

It comes with a three year warranty and three year roadside assistance package and a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, where customers can safely explore the car's full performance potential.