Diesels weren't that long ago considered almost purely agricultural and industrial engines with exceptions being some models from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Peugeot puttering down the road. Certainly, none of these, cars or trucks, were known for their pulse-pounding power or acceleration. Although advanced diesel development has been going on for more than a decade in Europe, it wasn't until recently that hot-rodding diesels became popular in North America. Exactly what sparked the diesel horsepower race (or torque race, more accurately) is debatable, but the ball got rolling with the 7.3 liter Power Stroke diesel in the Ford trucks, followed closely thereafter with a 24-valve version of the Cummins B-series, and then by GM's modern Duramax diesel. By the late '90s, there was no question the quest to build the hottest diesel was on. Today, less than 600 lbs./ft. seems tame: the newest LBZ Duramax cranks out a torque coverter-bursting 650 lbs./ft; the upcoming 6.4L Powerstroke is said to match it; and the new 6.7-liter Cummins is forecast to produce that much in 3/4-ton trim.
Still not enough for ya? Well, hold on to your leiderhosen, 'cause Audi is coming out with a 500-horsepower 6.0-liter turbodiesel V-12 cranking out a locomotive-like 738 lbs./ft. of torque. And that's supposedly de-tuned just to preserve the transmission! The first recipient of this beast will be the new Q7 sport-utility. This engine is also reportedly under consideration as an option for the upcoming R8 supercar. Prior to Audi's LeMans victory in the diesel-powered R10, the prospect of a diesel supercar would have been laughable at best, but Audi got the last laugh in the winner's circle.
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