2008 Detroit Motor Show Preview: Audi R8 V12 TDI Study photo leaked

Auto Motor und Sport knows how to make surprises and this time did it again: in their January issue the German magazine revealed in an article the Audi R8 Concept with V12 TDI engine. According to them the car will be unveiled on January 13th at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. The Audi R8 V12 TDI is represents just a study model but depending on the feedback the car will have at the auto show, the German manufacturer might consider to build the new TDI “monster” .
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jeffy210 - 1/4/2008 9:39:19 AM

+1 Boost

If it's anywhere near the output of the Q7 version of that engine, we're talking 650hp and an ungodly 811 lb-ft of torque (most likely electronically limited). All that between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. o_O

jeffy210 - 1/4/2008 9:40:16 AM

+1 Boost

oops, closer to 500hp my bad.

ThierryHenry14 - 1/4/2008 10:09:25 AM

+2 Boost

This would really be something...

w209w114 - 1/4/2008 10:35:14 AM

+2 Boost

Its exciting to wait and see the next diesel performance cars :)

Yonder7 - 1/4/2008 10:35:47 AM

+2 Boost

Wonderful...and Ecologic.

pacotacolol - 1/5/2008 10:09:54 AM

+1 Boost

yup

Neverfollow - 1/4/2008 10:45:19 AM

+2 Boost

I honestly thought this project was dead. It was rumored early on that the engine was too big and wouldn't fit and that it was way too heavy to put in a sports car. I guess they've been working on it! I hope they were able to lighten it up some. That is one serious lump in the back.

GermanNut - 1/4/2008 10:54:26 AM

+1 Boost

GOD what AMAZING news. Imagine a 12 cylinder sportscar with the exotic look of a Ferrari, very good performance (0-60 in mid 3 second range) and fuel economy!!!!

ThierryHenry14 - 1/4/2008 11:30:52 AM

+1 Boost

I still think that a 6.0l V12 TDi would be a little heavy on the car no? Perhaps a V8 4.2l TDi?

S4cabriofoxone - 1/4/2008 1:14:05 PM

+1 Boost

That's what I want! R8 4.2 TDI!

Lemantech - 1/4/2008 6:21:53 PM

+1 Boost

yeah but to get 500 hp out of that engine from a diesel would be quite difficult

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 1/6/2008 3:07:49 PM

+1 Boost

Lemantech:

Audi already have 500hp out of their V12 TDI

That Engine will be launched in the Q7 in 2008.

Lemantech - 2/1/2008 11:16:00 AM

+1 Boost

i mean't getting 500 hp out of a 4.2 TDI

chewy - 1/4/2008 12:41:51 PM

+1 Boost

The photos appear to be pshops from the magazine and not pshops from Audi. But hopefully they had a source from Audi.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/4/2008 1:14:39 PM

+1 Boost

I had read that it was the 4.2 TDI going in this car, not the 6.0... and in fact, I'd rather it was the 4.2 (or both!), because that's the one I could afford!

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/4/2008 7:13:51 PM

+1 Boost

What transmission does it have?

investor27 - 1/4/2008 10:39:21 PM

+1 Boost

I'm with you all. I hope it's the 4.2 TDI and not the 6.0 TDI, which is way too heavy for the car.

gregsfc - 1/10/2008 5:02:41 PM

+1 Boost

Everything in the rumor mill has it that--so far--only the 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder TDI; the 3.0, V-6 TDI; and 6.0, V-12 TDI are being worked on for U.S. emission compliance by VW/Audi. No word on the 4.2 V-8, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.

I read one article stating that the Q-7 will be offered with the 6.0-liter TDI and the 3.0-liter TDI, but I can't remember the link or the source. Maybe they'll also be a Q-3 with a 2.0-liter, 4 banger with twin turbo and SCR (urea injection) but it is not confirmed that the Q-3 will come here for sure.

VW will use the 3.0 and 2.0 as well, but no word on them using the 4.2 or 6.0. It has been positively confirmed that VW will remove the Touareg TDI from the market with the 5.0 V-10 and replace it with a new Touareg TDi with a 3.0 V-6 with fifty-state emission compliance.