Detroit 2008 Preview: Audi R8 V12 TDI concept
The latest episode in the embargo follies comes from Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. They have revealed that Audi will be dropping the diesel V-12 from last years Q7 V-12 TDI into the R8 sports car for the Detroit Auto Show. Audi is obviously looking to capitalize on the racing sucess of the R10 LMP1 car in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The V12 has 500hp and a tire-shredding 738lb-ft of torque. It's unlikely that the V-12 will ever appear in a production R8 but Audi's 4.2L V-8 has been rumored and is a distinct possibility.
[Source: CarScoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vumani 6:05AM (1/30/2009)
ey ya
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Dalton 3:07PM (1/14/2008)
The most likely diesel for the R8 would be the V12. I haven't verified it yet but the current V8 diesel is likely heavier than the new V12. Also, the V8 is not being prepped for US market whereas the 3.0L V6 and the 6.0L V12 are. The cost of certifying engines for US market is a major factor here plus the V12 is a much better engine than the V8 with many weight saving measures, newer construction methods and newer injectors and pumps. Besides, the V8 wouldn’t have enough oomph for a super car like the R8 without major over boost and other modification which would not be conducive to long-term reliability. For anyone who doesn’t believe the car can hold the V12, Audi and it’s parent company have quite a lot of experience shoehorning large engines into small spaces. For example, a 4.2l V8 bi-turbo A4, a 3.2l V6 Rabbit, a 8.0l quad-turbocharged W16 Bugatti Veyron to name a few.
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