Bosch is highlighting its vast array of technologies, which will be on board 24 of the 56 cars at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In the LM P1 category, Bosch is a development partner for the Audi R18 e-tron quattro and supplies both the injection technology and core components of the electric powertrain. “For this racing car, Bosch and Audi combine the benefits of diesel with the power of an additional electric powertrain,” says Uwe Gackstatter, president of Bosch’s Diesel Systems division. “With high torque, efficient combustion, and low fuel consumption, the modern clean diesel is benefiting drivers in everyday road traffic, too.”
Bosch’s involvement with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro sees it supply the complete common-rail injection system, comprising a high-pressure pump, injectors, and high-pressure rail. In addition to this, Bosch assisted Audi in the development of the R18’s motor-generator unit (MGU). Fitted on the front axle, the MGU was newly developed for the 2015 season and delivers around 200 kW (272 PS) of power.
Bosch’s contribution to the R18 also extends to supplying the engine control unit, vehicle data acquisition system, starter, and generator, as well as co-developing the power assisted rack and pinion steering system alongside Audi Sport.
Alongside its work with Audi, Bosch has also developed the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R’s engine control unit, telemetry system and a freely programmable, high-resolution driver display. For more safety the C7.R vehicles are also equipped with a collision warning system (CAS-M). The system developed by Bosch Motorsport and Corvette Racing helps the drivers to avoid accidents, particularly during endurance races. (Below)
In these races one major hazard is posed by the speed differential between vehicle classes whenever high-speed prototype cars come to lap GTE cars. The system is based on a third-generation long-range radar sensor (LRR3) fitted to the rear of the vehicle. The LRR3 permanently monitors the space up to 250m behind the vehicle and can detect up to 32 objects simultaneously along with their distance from and speed relative to the vehicle. The system combines this data with a video camera, feeding drivers real-time images on a cockpit display. As a result, they have all kinds of useful information directly in their field of vision, such as how many cars are behind them, how fast they are approaching, and on what side the faster prototype vehicles are trying to overtake.
Staying with the GTE class, Bosch will also supply the Porsche 911 RSR and Porsche 911 GT3 RSR models with engine control units, data loggers, starters, and a variety of pressure, temperature and other sensors around the car. This also forms the basis of the components supplied to the Ferrari 458 Italia GT2 LM-GTE Pro and LM-GTE Am cars. These too will feature Bosch supplied gasoline direct injection technology that has been improved for motor racing, consisting of an engine control unit, power stage unit, high-pressure injectors, and a high-pressure pump. In addition, the freely programmable DDU 8 display shows the driver important vehicle data on up to 12 display pages during the race.
