CARS CARS Audi Tradition at Gamescom: A showcase of Le Mans legend -

This year’s Gamescom in Cologne will feature some impressive horsepower from Audi Tradition. Starting at number one, the Audi R8, the 2002 winner of the storied 24 Hours of Le Mans, is expected to be a show-stopper. During the August 20–24 conference, the 610-horsepower race vehicle will be on display at the GIANTS Software stand (Hall 6, Stand B061). On November 25, publisher GIANTS Software will release Project Motor Racing, a racing simulation created by Straight4 Studios that allows users to take control of the legendary 2002 Le Mans champion.

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“It’s fascinating to see how gaming and the community have evolved over the years—today, you can dive so deeply into game worlds that you almost forget you’re playing a video game—it all feels incredibly real,” says Mensing. He is especially excited about his latest project: integrating the 2002 Le Mans-winning Audi R8 into the racing simulation Project Motor Racing. “Motorsport has always held a powerful fascination. Being able to drive a historic race car in a game yourself is an amazing experience—it makes these legendary vehicles feel truly authentic and alive.

In 1999, Audi participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time. The endurance classic, which has been held since 1923, is regarded as one of the world’s most difficult and prominent events. The Audi R8R made a big impression when it debuted by placing third and fourth in 1999, demonstrating its winning potential. Audi secured all three top spots with a thrilling 1-2-3 result the following year.

The championship was defended in 2001. Audi made a comeback to Le Mans in 2002 with the goal of winning a hat trick. Audi joined the very few manufacturers that have won Le Mans three times in a row on the afternoon of June 16, 2002, with yet another outstanding podium sweep. The car raced by the winning team, Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen, and Emanuele Pirro, will be on display at Gamescom in almost the exact same condition as when it crossed the finish line, replete with the slight dings and scratches that indicate the race’s ferocity.

Audi’s triumph in this event steeped in history is published as a book: Alexander von Wegner/Lars Krone: Audi at Le Mans. Audi Tradition Edition. Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, first edition 2023, 320 pages, 603 photographs and graphics. 59.00 euros; ISBN 978-3-667-12652-8. accessible through Audi Tradition’s online store at www.audi.de/tradition-parts, bookshops, and the museum store at the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt.