A genuine factory LMP1 prototype is currently offered for sale by Joe Macari Sales Ltd in London on a price-on-application basis. The car is chassis 107, presented as fully operational and preserved as a running example of Audi’s final non-hybrid diesel prototype.
MODEL SIGNIFICANCE
The R18 TDI ultra marked a major technical shift for Audi Sport. Introduced for the 2011 season under revised ACO LMP1 regulations, it returned Audi to closed-cockpit prototype design for the first time since 1999. Power comes from a 3.7-liter turbocharged V6 TDI using a compact “hot-vee” turbocharger layout mounted between the cylinder banks.
The car features a carbon-fiber monocoque, advanced aerodynamics and an electronically actuated gearbox. The ultra specification represents the non-hybrid branch of the R18 program before Audi transitioned fully into hybrid LMP1 development.
WORKS RACE HISTORY
Chassis 107 was campaigned by Audi Sport Team Joest during the 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup season wearing car number 2. It was driven by Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen.
The listing cites the following 2011 results:
Fourth place at the 6 Hours of Imola.
Qualified P2 at Silverstone, ran up front before contact, finished seventh.
Retired at the Petit Le Mans.
DNF at the 6 Hours of Zhuhai.
In 2012, the car made its final factory appearance at the 12 Hours of Sebring as car number 1 for André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler. Lotterer secured pole position with a 1:45.8 lap time, marking a headline result in the car’s competitive life.
Following its works career, chassis 107 was refinished in 2011 Le Mans-style livery for display and promotional use and was ultimately awarded to Lotterer.
CURRENT PRESENTATION
The listing states that chassis 107 remains fully operational and currently wears the correct Sebring 2012 pole livery. It has appeared publicly in recent years, including a run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024, driven once again by Tréluyer.
Offered from London and listed on February 20, 2026, this R18 TDI ultra represents a documented Audi Sport works LMP1 chassis from the closing chapter of the brand’s diesel era. For collectors focused on modern endurance racing, chassis 107 sits directly within the lineage that defined Audi’s benchmark-setting prototype program.
OWNER OPERATION
Even if you’re in the income bracket that purchasing an Audi R18 fits your budget, owning and operating any of the diesel-era Audi LMP1’s can be a challenge. It’s why you see so many R8 LMP cars out there during vintage events but not anything after that.
Fortunately for interested parties, Audi launched its Audi Sport racing legends program just last year. The move set into motion the creation of a support team that will be present at key prominent vintage events and offer support for both Audi’s LMP cars and also its DTM cars. Without such support, these sorts of cars tend to be more paperweight than dynamic and experiential historic ambassadors. Audi Sport racing legends has changed that, making the acquisition of a car like this definitely more worth consideration.
Thanks David H. for the tip.
PHOTO GALLERY
