Audi's overachieving R8 supercar is about to be injected with an even higher dose of performance and power. The German automaker has announced that the V12 TDI Le Mans designated R8 will come powered by a six-liter V12 engine that represents the first such application in a high-performance, street-legal car. Audi's expertise in diesel technology has allowed their team to pilot a diesel powered race car to winning status at the Le Mans, proving to the world that diesel and performance can go hand in hand. The R8 V12 TDI Le Mans commemorates this model- and the engines are closely based on one another.
In road-going form, the V12 packs 500 horsepower and nearly 740 lb.-ft of torque which peaks at just 1,750 RPM. Drivers can expect 0-60 in just over 4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of over 300 km/h. Audi stresses that the typically unpleasant sounding diesel engine emits wonderful sound effects along the way. They also note that extensive attention has been paid to making the engine refined, quiet and mild-mannered when driven gently.Magnetic suspension control and high-capacity ceramic brakes are fitted to the model as well. The new R8 V12 TDI Le Mans will be built at Audi's Györ plant in Hungary.
photo: Audi