Audi Won't Build R8 V12 TDI

The Auto Insider — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:30:00 EDT

We've had our fingers crossed that Audi would eventually bring the R8 V12 TDI to market, but according to an AutoExpress source, that's just not going to happen. Why, Audi? Why?

AutoExpress sources claim the development costs associated with re-engineering the Audi R8 to house the massive twin-turbo diesel V12 would be too great and that Audi would be unable to reap a return in its investment through sales.

The concept Audi R8 V12 TDI made its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008, sporting aggressively revised bodywork and a 500-horsepower and 737 lb-ft. of torque, 5.5-liter TDI V12 from the Audi R10 Le Mans racer. Needless to say, it would have been nice to see some of Audi's diesel knowledge from its racing endeavors on the street. [wcf via autoexpress]

Detroit Auto Show: Audi R8 To Feature V12 TDI Engine, We Sort Of Called It

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST

When all of those R8 mules started bursting into flames the blogosphere bit down pretty hard on a description from Quattro GmbH that they were packing V10 twin-turbo'd engines. We quickly posted a response from J.F. Musial claiming that we should expect anything but that V10 for the next R8. Thanks to an embargo break from Auto Motor und Sport, we now know that the R8 coming to Detroit will be featuring a V12 TDI turbodiesel. Booyah! It's good to be skeptical.

We don't have the full details, because we don't communicate well in Ze German language, but it looks as though this "design study" produces a lot of power while consuming only a little fuel. In the V12 Q7 this engine is good for 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. [Auto Motor und Sport via Carscoop]

Jalopnik: audi r8 v12

Audi Won't Build R8 V12 TDI

Detroit Auto Show: Audi R8 To Feature V12 TDI Engine, We Sort Of Called It