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Decision on Audi R8 V12 TDI expected by mid-year

Decision on Audi R8 V12 TDI expected by mid-year

Viknesh Vijayenthiran April 2nd, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author April 2nd, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Audi has already shown us two concept versions of its V12-powered R8 diesel supercar but whether this means the concept is headed for production is still up in the air. Some officials within Audi claim there is a chance the car will be built, but at the same time there have also been several denials of the possibility of production. The latest twist in the story is that a final decision will be made by the middle of the year after all considerations concerning the economy and market forces are taken into account. The information comes from Audi spokesman Josef Schlossmacher, who told Automotive News Europe the car could be in showrooms within two years if given the green light. One of the biggest hurdles the R8 V12 TDI faces is the fact that Audi has plans to launch a new V10 RS-R8 flagship. One possible solution would be to use a smaller 4.2L V8 TDI engine instead of the V12. However, considering the niche status of both cars it doesn’t make sense for Audi to separately develop and launch two different range-topping R8 models. Another stumbling block for a diesel R8 are tough new emissions standards planned for both the U.S. and Europe in the near future, factors that will influence the final decision on the R8 V12 TDI due this summer. Geneva V12 R8 Concept Detroit V12 R8 ConceptAudi presents second R8 V12 TDI concept in GenevaAudi R8 V12 TDI
Decision on Audi R8 V12 TDI expected by mid-year

Decision on Audi R8 V12 TDI expected by mid-year

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Audi has already shown us two concept versions of its V12-powered R8 diesel supercar but whether this means the concept is headed for production is still up in the air. Some officials within Audi claim there is a chance the car will be built, but at the same time there have also been several denials of the possibility of production.

The latest twist in the story is that a final decision will be made by the middle of the year after all considerations concerning the economy and market forces are taken into account. The information comes from Audi spokesman Josef Schlossmacher, who told Automotive News Europe the car could be in showrooms within two years if given the green light.

One of the biggest hurdles the R8 V12 TDI faces is the fact that Audi has plans to launch a new V10 RS-R8 flagship. One possible solution would be to use a smaller 4.2L V8 TDI engine instead of the V12. However, considering the niche status of both cars it doesn’t make sense for Audi to separately develop and launch two different range-topping R8 models. Another stumbling block for a diesel R8 are tough new emissions standards planned for both the U.S. and Europe in the near future, factors that will influence the final decision on the R8 V12 TDI due this summer.

Geneva V12 R8 Concept

Detroit V12 R8 Concept
Audi presents second R8 V12 TDI concept in Geneva
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Audi R8 V12 TDI
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Tags: Supercars

Posted in: 2008, Audi, News, Concept Cars, R8


Comments (4 total)

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  1. By CK #1, Posted: 4/2/2008

    Hmm I think I read on Autoblog that some responsible dude of Audi America already ruled the possibility out that the V12 TDI is build. But they are thinking about putting a twin turbo V10 TDI in the car with same power.

  2. By clarksonguy #2, Posted: 4/2/2008

    “We have two options with this car: make it a low-volume, higher price car, which might give us a higher development budget, or to do unlimited volume for a lower price, and then work to a lower price. The marketing men will tell us which within the next few months.” Wolfgang Hatz in an Autocar-interview

    [http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/autocarconfidential/archive/2008/03/31/the-man-who-dreams-about-v12-diesels.aspx]

    looks like they gonna build it anyway. *hopes*

  3. By eee #3, Posted: 4/2/2008

    Pretty amazing machine. I'd buy it over the petrol version if I had the readies. I wonder how much torsional rigidity it loses on account of its glass roof.

  4. By HECTOR #4, Posted: 4/2/2008

    Sorry but midyear is not quick enough.

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