Audi, Peugeot Race to Make Hybrid Cars Cool at 24-Hour Le Mans

Audi AG and PSA Peugeot Citroen are vying to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a hybrid motor, a feat that might boost the use of the more fuel-efficient cars.

The two teams have won 10 of the last 11 editions of the race, and are working on a part-electric engine that recoups energy from braking to reduce re-fuelling stops. It’s proving difficult: Peugeot said on April 11 that it abandoned plans to run a 908 Hybrid4 in an official test at the circuit southwest of Paris, citing reliability problems. Audi won’t be ready until next year’s race at the earliest.