Audi presents second V12 TDI R8 Concept

Audi has taken the wraps off its second R8 concept vehicle powered by its mighty V12 TDI engine at an event in Geneva today. The new concept sports the now familiar 6.0L V12 turbodiesel engine, developing a healthy 500hp and 1,000Nm (737lb-ft) of torque. Like the previous V12 diesel R8 shown in Detroit last month, the new model packs the latest in racing technology developed in Audi’s Le Mans efforts, and is differed thanks to its bright red paint scheme.

The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner, and in the R8 it sees the supercar launch from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and enables a top speed of well over 300km/h.

Some of the new features of the engine include a narrower 60 degree cylinder bank angle and a new chain drive layout that includes the two newly developed high-pressure pumps for the common rail injection system. Production of the road-going versions of this engine, which recently debuted in the new Q7, is handled at Audi’s Györ plant in Hungary.

The racing engine in the R10, meanwhile, makes do with just 5.5L of displacement but delivers more than 650hp and takes the racer to speeds in excess of 330km/h.

Geneva V12 R8 Concept

Detroit V12 R8 Concept