Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept (2008)

[Ross Balfour]

Audi is presenting a revolution in the top class – the first 12-cylinder diesel engine in a high-performance roadgoing sports car. The V12 TDI with a displacement of six liters powers a concept car based on the Audi R8. This unit generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newton-meters (737.56 lb-ft) of torque. Audi is writing a new chapter in diesel technology with this power unit. Equipped with the expertise that Audi has built up through its motor sport activities, the R8 TDI Le Mans in Brilliant Red embodies superb road handling, pioneering technology and fascinating design.

The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner – so it catapults the Audi R8 into supercar terrain concerning performance too. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 300 km/h (186.41 mph). The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm, paves the way for effortless acceleration that is unrivaled even at this level.

The new V12 TDI belongs to Audi's family of V engines but has the ideal included angle for this engine type of 60 degrees between cylinder banks. Its highlights include the new chain drive layout that includes the two newly developed high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system.

Its sound is as thrilling as you'd expect in a sports car of this caliber. For all the subtle smoothness that typifies this design principle, the twelve-cylinder unit is full-bodied and equipped with energetic overtones that make no secret of its performance potential.

[Clive Siggs]

Corvettes again??

[Ross Balfour]

wat the????

[Ross Balfour]

Fixed

[Clive Siggs]

Absolutely gorgeous

[James Johnson]

no more Audi LMP1 Domination then now they wanna dominate the GT1 Class which has Aston Martin written on it for 2 years in a row now.

[Cristian Haba]

Dunno the exact plans for the car but as it stands I believe the V12 is scrapped in favour of a V10 TDI, at least thats what I read somewhere. Regardless I wish they would make it as is, the car is absolutely menacing in that stance.

[James Johnson]

well at end of 2008 LM 24HR on radio lemans one of commetators said this could be audis last LMP1 Win;)