Audi announced the R15 TDI LMP1 sports car, a replacement for its diesel-powered R10 Le Mans racer, at the Essen Motor Show in Ingolstadt, Germany. The company said that the new model includes a smaller, lighter, and even more efficient diesel engine than the one in the R10.

Details are scarce at this point, but Audi intends to build on its second-place, eight-victory tally in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its new racer. Currently, Audi is only behind Porsche, and needs just a single extra victory in order to catch the legendary sports car maker.

Audi will unveil the R15 TDI to the public immediately before its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring here in the US on March 21, 2009. Audi Sport Team Joest will field three new R15 TDI prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the company said in a statement; testing will begin before the end of this year.