Audi R8 TDI Le Mans Concept
A new version of Audi's R8 V12 TDI concept will be on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show. The "V12 TDI Le Mans" is virtually identical to the last show car, but is painted "Brilliant Red" instead of silver. With all the attention Audi is giving to this car, we think the possibility of production is increasingly likely.
Power for the concept comes from the automakers race-derived 6.0 liter V12 diesel motor, which was first used in the R10 Le Mans competition car, and is now available in the Audi Q7. The engine produces 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm.
The car sprints to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to Audi. Like most German automakers, Audi is probably reporting a very conservative acceleration time for this car.
Other highlights of the show car include a glass roof, an increased use of carbon fiber, revised front and rear aprons, and larger air intakes all around.
The car also features all-LED headlights, which are visually very appealing, not to mention very energy efficient and bright. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the light emitted resembles daylight much more closely than xenon or even halogen light.
Earlier reports suggested that Audi would equip the R8 with a diesel engine for the 2009 model year. A V10 gasoline model is already confirmed for the R8.
Does this mean the R8 lineup will eventually include V8, V10, and V12 powerplants? It's too soon to know for sure, but we think there's a distinctive possibility.
A new version of Audi's R8 V12 TDI concept will be on display this week at the Geneva Motor Show. The "V12 TDI Le Mans" is virtually identical to the last show car, but is painted "Brilliant Red" instead of silver. With all the attention Audi is giving to this car, we think the possibility of production is increasingly likely.
Power for the concept comes from the automakers race-derived 6.0 liter V12 diesel motor, which was first used in the R10 Le Mans competition car, and is now available in the Audi Q7. The engine produces 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The peak torque, reached at only 1,750 rpm.
The car sprints to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, according to Audi. Like most German automakers, Audi is probably reporting a very conservative acceleration time for this car.
Other highlights of the show car include a glass roof, an increased use of carbon fiber, revised front and rear aprons, and larger air intakes all around.
The car also features all-LED headlights, which are visually very appealing, not to mention very energy efficient and bright. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the light emitted resembles daylight much more closely than xenon or even halogen light.
Earlier reports suggested that Audi would equip the R8 with a diesel engine for the 2009 model year. A V10 gasoline model is already confirmed for the R8.
Does this mean the R8 lineup will eventually include V8, V10, and V12 powerplants? It's too soon to know for sure, but we think there's a distinctive possibility.
