Dow Automotive, a major technology and solutions provider to the global auto industry, returns to Le Mans this month in support of Audi Sport as it seeks a third consecutive diesel-powered race car victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi Sport changed the rules of the game in 2006 when it introduced its V-12 diesel-powered R10 TDI, taking fuel efficiency to another level and leaving the competition in its clean-air wake.

The Audi R10 TDI showcases some of the most advanced technological breakthroughs in diesel engineering, including the Dow Automotive diesel particulate filter (DPF) system. Since its first race application in 2006, Dow Automotive engineers and scientists have reduced the size and weight of the DPF by approximately 40 percent while systematically increasing performance.

Audi Sport looks to continue its winning ways after compiling impressive wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and a first-ever 1-2 finish on the challenging Long Beach Grand Prix street course. But at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the three factory cars will face its stiffest competition yet.

At the wheel of the three Audi R10 TDI prototypes, however, are the same experienced drivers as last year:

• N° 1 – Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner
  
  
• N° 2 – Rinaldo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish
  
  
• N° 3 – Lucas Luhr, Alexandre Prémat and Mike Rockenfeller

For Dow Automotive, the partnership with Audi Sport provides tremendous value beyond the race track. “Dow Automotive’s work with Audi Sport is enabling our team to further accelerate advances in the commercialization of our diesel particulate filter,” says Dow Automotive
President Peter Sykes. “There is no doubt that Dow Automotive is significantly farther ahead in developing the most advanced DPF to come into the market as a result of our involvement with Audi Sport and endurance racing.”

How Dow Automotive DPF Works

Dow Automotive’s DPF technology is designed to meet the specific performance requirements of Audi Sport. Dow Automotive has designed the filters to be as small and light as possible and to produce very low back pressure, which is a critical feature in optimizing diesel engine performance. Together, this enables superb engine power and fuel efficiency while dramatically reducing particulate emissions. These benefits are magnified under race conditions, when the DPFs perform at extremely high operating temperatures, mass flows and ramp rates.

“The partnership Audi Sport enjoys with Dow Automotive is based on scientific knowledge, mutual trust and the will to win with our Audi R10 TDI,” says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Sport. “Dow Automotive has shown tremendous commitment in our joint development project for the lightest and smallest DPF with the lowest possible back-pressure.”

Advancing DPF technology is one of two major Dow Automotive development programs underway in motorsports. In the other initiative, Dow Automotive is the sole provider of energy absorbing foam to NASCAR. The company’s IMPAXX™ energy absorbing foam is mandated for use in every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car chassis to provide increased driver safety in side impact collisions.

About Dow Automotive

Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demands for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, more comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centers, visit www.automotive.dow.com.

About Audi Sport

Since Audi revolutionized rally sport at the beginning of the 1980s with the quattro drive, AUDI AG underlines that the company slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” is to be taken literally with their exceptional motorsport successes. AUDI AG positions itself as the sportiest manufacturer in the premium-class segment, demonstrating this with a particularly extensive and ambitious motorsport commitment:  Audi is the first automotive manufacturer to win in both the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring with a diesel engine. In addition to involvement in the Le Mans series (LMS) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), a total of ten Audi A4 DTM cars participate in DTM, one of the most popular racing series next to Formula One.

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