Audi brought some more of its Le Mans-conquering technology to the street in the form of the new Audi R8 V-12 TDI. The R8 V12 TDI is a concept that melds the 6.0L V-12 diesel from last years Q7 concept with the award winning R8 sports car. The concept engine shares a cylinder count with the race-winning R10, but it’s actually a completely new engine with a 60-degree bank angle instead of the 90 degrees used on the race engine. While the 500 hp is only par for the course in its class, the 738 lb-ft of torque is enough to shred all four tires with ease. While the R8 V12 TDI storms to 62mph in 4.2 seconds and maxes out at 186mph, it also manages to get 23 MPG. The combination of a 29,000-psi direct-inject fuel injection system, particulate filters and urea injection allows this beast to pass 2014 EuroVI emissions standards, too.
Has the recent wave of diesels wiped away those cloudy memories of choking on diesel fumes from those old Benzes on the road in front of you yet? Well prepare to let go of the last vestiges of diesel apprehension. Audi today revealed its R8 V12 TDI Concept at the Detroit Auto Show.
The Audi V12 TDI Concept is powered by a 6.0L V12 TDI engine that produces 500-hp and 738 pounds of earth twisting torque. 0-60mph comes in at 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 186.41 mph. Despite Audi’s conservative language, we can’t see much of a reason for this slick piece not to make it to market.
After Audi’s recent LeMans win with a diesel-powered race car, this diesel ’super sports car’ as Audi calls it, the R8 V12 TDI was the next logical step. In addition to the impressive torque, Audi claims the R8 V12 TDI should be good for 24MPG. Not bad. Just don’t get run over by a big rig while pumping fuel at the rest stop, your roof is probably around the height of their bumpers after all. Oh and remember to wave at your fellow diesel powered buddies in their old Benzes.
After Audi unveiled the almighty R8 V12 TDI at the Detroit Auto Show, I asked the obvious question and they made it clear that they had no plans to build a production version. Now that the disappointment has subsided somewhat, Audi is offering up a consolation prize, although it’s not known yet if the US market will get a crack at it. For the first time since the original TT debuted ten years ago, Audi will be offering a version with a diesel engine. A 170 hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L TDI will be available in both the TT Coupe and Roadster. Putting the torque down through all four wheels by way of a six-speed manual gearbox, the coupe will run 0-62 mph in 7.5 sec, with the ragtop accomplishing the feat in 7.7sec. While by no means blistering speeds, the nature of diesel engine torque will mean that the TTs will feel quick everywhere. The real upside to all of this is the fuel economy of this claimed world’s first diesel sports car. The lighter, more aerodynamic coupe will be capable of 44.3 mpg while the convertible is just behind again at 42.7. Pretty impressive when gas prices as likely to go ever higher.
Wagonistas, your chariot has arrived. After showing off the new-for-2009 A4 in Frankfurt, Audi has finally released the details about for its A4 Avant prior to its debut in Geneva next month.
The estate version of the A4 is nearly identical to the sedan from the B-pillar forward, but now features 50-cubic feet of cargo capacity out back. An optional power liftgate is available and the load floor is reversible if you happen to be toting a set of used wheels in the trunk and the mat is coated in brake dust. Overall, the Avant gains about five inches in length, but is almost ten-percent lighter than the outgoing model.
Although powerplant details are scarce, those of us in the States will be stuck with the 2.0-liter TFSI mill, while sedan buyers get a choice of either the four-cylinder or the 3.2-liter V6.
Audi unveils a clean diesel-powered supercar concept.
At a press event enlivened by a solo acoustic performance by rock star Bryan Adams, Audi has unveiled a thought-provoking concept car powered by mold-breaking, race-proven diesel technology.
“We are challenging the final piece of conventional wisdom [about diesel engine cars],” said Audi AG Chairman Rupert Stadler. Certainly, he has the right car for the job. The R8 TDI concept’s 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo engine develops 500 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. It nails the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of more than 186 mph. And that mountainous torque is available at just 1750 rpm.
Derived from the V12 unit powering the R10 racecar that has twice run the prestigious and demanding Le Mans 24-hour race, the engine is just 6.5 inches longer than the V8 in the regular R8. Its narrow 60-degree angle, and advanced materials combining iron and graphite make it compact and light enough to fit the R8 shell.
Super Clean for a Supercar
How clean is it? Clean enough to meet the ultra-tough California emissions standards that still defeat many lesser diesels. The secret to this is advanced combustion control, involving as many as five fuel injection events per engine cycle, combined with a three-stage exhaust treatment. A standard catalyst and particulate filter are fitted to remove pollutants and soot. An additional catalyst uses small quantities of an additive called AdBlue to break up nitric oxides. This system will last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Fuel economy may not be top of the criteria list for supercar buyers, but the R8 V12 TDI concept scores even here, testing at 24 mpg.
The transmission is a short-throw six-speed manual with a small diameter clutch for quick, precise changes. Naturally for Audi, and necessarily with so much power, there is a Quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Similar Styling
The concept’s exterior is a lightly restyled version of the familiar R8. Up front, additional layered air vents sit below the distinctive LED rimmed headlights. The aluminum bodywork is finished in matte silver, contrasting with the “side-blade” that vertically transects the body behind the cabin. The glazed cabin roof and engine cover are two transparent sections separated by a race-derived air duct that accelerates air into the engine. The rear of the car has a variable spoiler that extends upwards.
With the standard R8 already on sale and very well-regarded, it’s entirely possible that this concept could be produced, albeit at low volume. But it’s equally important to Audi as a way of making a point about the potential of diesel engines to deliver economy, cleanliness, and performance.
With a diesel in the R8, “the sky is the limit,” said an Audi board member.
Audi TTS
Almost overshadowed by the R8 concept was the world debut of the TTS. The introduction of this even sportier version of the renewed TT sports coupe and roadster marks the original TT’s 10 year anniversary.
Its 2.0-liter turbo FSI engine is extensively revised from the standard unit. Delivering 272 horsepower, it can achieve 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds with the manual transmission. Fitted with the S-tronic dual-clutch automatic, it is 0.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption is around 29 mpg in either case. Styling changes are subtle, but deeper skirts, new bi-xenon headlights and standard 18-inch wheels separate the “S” from other TTs.
Well, what do we have here?
What you see is the new Audi TTS (essentially, it’s the beefier version of the latest TT design).
And it packs some impressive stats:
A two-liter TFSI engine delivering 265 hp propels the TTS Coupe zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and, a governor-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
Not bad, huh?
I know, there’s been a lot of criticism of Audi’s design direction for quite a while, and the TTS is further down that same path, so that won’t win it any friends. And I got to say, I’m not really on board with the way they’ve been going.
I applaud Audi for making the R8, and I think any car maker that wants my attention should be making an all out, top of the line, sports car like the R8 (at a minimum). But I gotta say, somehow, Audi has been designing cars that are simultaneously more bland and more ugly.
They really went down that whole fish-mouth grill route - something about trying to tie in with their Auto Union heritage (an impressive heritage, sure), and that sure set off the whole front end … and then the rest of the car … well, what, too much surface tension, not enough working of form versus void?
I dunno … but for all of the on road capabilities that newer Audis, and this new TTS, have, they sure seem to wrap them in a mediocre package.