Audi Commences Sales of Its Historic LMP & DTM Cars

For the first time in its history, Audi has announced that it will make its LMP and DTM prototypes from the former factory racing programs available in drivable condition. As part of the initial step, the luxury car manufacturer offered two flagship models at Audi Sport Racing Legends headquarters at Neuburg an der Donau on Wednesday.

The marketing and sales event for these flagship cars will commence from May 9 to May 11 at Jim Clark Revival in Hockenheim (Germany), from July 3 to 6 at the Le Mans Classic event (France), and from July 10 to 13 at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood (United Kingdom).

In this week's event, a select group of potential customers attended to view the first two models: chassis 107 of the Audi RS 5 DTM and chassis 207 of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

The R18 saw Romain Dumas/Loic Duval/Marc Gene clinch the first victory of the RP2 generation in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC at Spa Francorchamps in 2012 in pre-hybrid R18 ultra spec. This model debuted during the 2012 season in both Ultra and e-tron Quattro specs, scoring five overall podium finishes. The latest appearance in the factory hand came at the Le Mans test, running narrower development tires for 2014 in the hands of Marco Donadoni.

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The chassis of the DTM model has also been a winner. In 2015, it was led by Timo Scheider at the DTM finale in Hockenheim, although Ferdinand Habsburg presented it in color carriers.

A newly appointed Audi Sport Racing Legends project team is working on these cars, utilizing their manufacturer's expertise for the elite circle of sports car collectors. However, the program will extend beyond selling these cars, which are destined to be museum pieces.

The first car available for sale will be delivered to its customers by this summer. However, the handover marks the start of comprehensive support, including regular technical inspections, repair services, spare parts, and expert advice from the former developers, to complete the range of services offered by Audi Sport Racing Legends.

The opinion of global automobile enthusiasts is mixed; some appreciate this step from Audi, while some have shown concern about the winding down of Audi Sport Customer Racing.