With looks akin to today's R10 racer, the R25 is Audi's vision for a future-generation race car in an altogether more extreme racing series, as part of the 2008 LA Design Challenge.

The R25 combines elements of the current R10, but unlike the R10, the R25 can reach speeds of up to 300mph and run on either electricity or 'algae bio fuel'. It still has mountains of tarmac-tearing torque, though - it's good to see that still exists in 2025. As the ultimate incarnation of a classic Le Mans car, the R25 is designed to compete in the fictional Los Angeles round of the ALMS 2025 - which features tunnels in which cars can race upside down. That'll increase overtaking opportunities, anyway.

Electricity can be transferred to the car through WiTricity wireless charging zones situated inside the tunnels (hopefully well away from the actual track), which powers the car over shorter distances. Audi helpfully suggests using bio-fuel for endurance racing.

The R25's body panels are, according to Audi, made from 'micro-control surfaces' that optimise airflow for improved aerodynamics. Best of all, though, is the feature that allows race spectators to get a cockpit view of the race via virtual reality booths. HD cameras, 'dynamic sensors' and real-time links from inside the car combine to provide the full sensory experience.

Grid Position: 7/9

Early Retirement or Podium Finish: Retires. Audi decides to go the last few laps on electricity alone to save weight, but stalls when the signal for the WiTricity charging zones goes down, leaving the R25 with flat batteries. Somebody left the emergency cable in the van, too.

Mark Nichol - 21 Oct 2008