Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept in Detroit

Building upon Audi's revolutionary diesel-powered R10 LeMans racecar, this new concept will use the same V12 TDI engine as previously seen in the Q7.

One German auto magazine has publsihed images of the V12 TDI variant, which have naturally made their way onto the internet. They reveal not only the V12 TDI insignia on the bootlid, but also revised front and rear bumpers.

Developing 373kW and an enormous 1000Nm, the V12 turbodiesel produces significantly more power than the current petrol V8 which manages only 313kW and less than half the torque at 430Nm.

In addition, the utilization of diesel technology means that fuel consumption will be dramatically improved. In the Q7 the same engine manages 11.9 litres per 100km, and is rumoured to drop to as low as 8.4 litres in the comparatively lightweight R8 body.

Despite being merely a concept, current speculation indicates that future production has already been planned.

One minor drawback however is that the larger V12 engine has been pushed back into the luggage area meaning the R8's reputation as a practical tourer may be compromised, however luggage area at the front remains intact.