Audi Powers Diesel Drive

Audi continues to push the envelope with high-performance diesel technology, with debuts of its R8 V12 TDI Le Mans and the Q7 V12 TDI coastline concepts.

One of the big hits of the North American International Auto Show in January was the Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept and Audi offered another version in Geneva, renamed the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans, finished in Brilliant Red with the name reflecting the close relationship between the engine in the concept and the engine of the two-time Le Mans winning Audi R10 prototype race car.

Based on the Audi R8 production car, the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbodiesel V12 that develops 500 horsepower and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque, with peak torque available at only 1500 rpm. With a top speed of more than 186 mph, the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. With the current technology for emissions systems including a particulate filter, the engine is clean enough to meet even tough California emission standards.

Although there are no official plans for a production version of the R8 powered by a V12 TDI, it's certainly interesting to see a second version of the concept in such a short period of time and one that gives hope to sports car enthusiast who would like to sample the turbodiesel supercar.

Based on the Q7 V12 TDI and completed in the style of an elegant yacht, the Q7 V12 TDI coastline is another concept vehicle powered by the 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine. The exterior is finished in Inuit, a special white pearl paint with the mirrors finished in white while the grille and side are intake slots dark High Gloss Steel.

The interior is dominated by alabaster white, a popular color for yachts, with the carpets and embroidered floor mats made of fine wool and other interior components completed in plush velvet and Valcona leather.

Interior trim includes aluminum components as well as nut brown piping on the seats, instrument panel and door panels. A final nautical aspect to the interior is the use of American walnut veneer with thin strips of dark smoked oak wood embedded for the gearshift knob, door sills and cargo area. The wood is waxed, not varnished, giving it a unique finish similar to a yacht.