Diesel prowess
Embargoes are like rules, they are meant to be broken. This time around Auto Motor und Sport in Germany have sent out their January issue to subscribers featuring a rendering of an Audi R8 Concept with V12 TDI engine article. The story is still under wraps by Audi until January 13 when it will make its world wide debut at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.
AMS calls the Audi R8 V12 TDI a study model, but depending on feedback the car might just make it to mass production (hand built mass production that is). The V12 TDI engine has made quite a name for itself on the track in the R10 race car and will be featured in the upcoming Q7 V12 TDI. It is a proven engine and will obviously not burn your R8 to a crisp.
Some numbers from the article. The Audi R8 V12 TDI produces 500 hp with 1,000 Nm of torque, 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, top speed lies over 300 km/h and fuel consumption is rated at 10 liters per 100 km. Disadvantage of the V12 TDI over the V8 is that the little trunk space is entirely gone due to the V12 size and it weighs 100 kg more too.
The front fascia is altered on the R8 V12 TDI because the engine requires more cooling, which is achieved through the larger airducts.
Thank you Thomas for the tip! More images at R8-quattro forum.
[UPDATE] Scans removed as requested by Christian Shulte. Images can be seen here: www.a3quattro.de
Who wants a diesel engine in a sports car?
I have driven diesels, and the small usable rev range drove me mad (now I own a wankel RX-8 that revs just beautifully).