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.
Remember the V12 diesel-powered Audi R8 concept we saw a couple of months ago? Well even if you don’t, Audi will remind you as the German luxury carmaker will present a slightly modified version of its diesel-study called R8 TDI Le Mans in Geneva today. Slightly modified translates to a Brilliant Red bodywork, and well, that’s about it. As with the Detroit Show concept, the R8 TDI Le Mans is powered by a twin-turbocharged V12 diesel engine that generates 500 Hp and a maximum torque figure of 1,000 Nm (737.56 lb-ft). It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and its top speed is over 300 km/h or 186 mph.
The new V12 TDI belongs to Audis 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 youd 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.
