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]