The 2015 R18 e-tron quattro name might be an evolution of last year's Le Mans winner, but Audi’s Head of LMP1 Christopher Reinke says the team has "dug deep into areas of development that showed potential".
The only carbon components carried over from last year are the monocoque and the gearbox casing.
"The structural spine of the car is the same, so it is an evolutionary step that builds on the potential that we saw last year. Every bit of carbon except for the monocoque and the gearbox casing is new”, Reinke told Autosport.
"I honestly believe - and it is more than a hope - that we have addressed thoroughly the weaknesses of the car and therefore we will be much stronger generally."
The new R18 features a distinct nose design from last year and protracted tail with bodywork covering the rear crash structure as per 2015 regulations.
Audi however was reticent to divulge which megajoule class it be entering in 2015 after being out-gunned heavily on longer circuits in 2014.
Audi’s new challenger ran its second test last week at Sebring, covering over 6000km during the week, with driver Andre Lotterer hailing the car "a good step over last year's car."
Video courtesy of "Lanky Turtle"
Images: Audi Sport