Posted on Friday 14 March 2008
Audi has already shown us two concept versions of its V12-powered R8 oil-burner but whether this means the concept is headed for production is still up in the air. The new 6.0L diesel mill has already appeared in production trim in the upcoming Q7 V12 TDI, which goes on sale in the middle of the year, but getting it running smoothly in the R8 will take some time.
Despite pumping out 500hp and 1,000Nm (737lb-ft) of torque, in the R8 concept the monster engine is mated to a humble Audi A4 gearbox. The guys from AutoWeek, who were invited to take the concept for a test spin, claimed the car was easy to drive although they couldn’t take it beyond 50mph because of the gearbox. They report that there’s a 50-50 chance the car will make production and that the only major modifications needed is a new gearbox and a repositioning of the firewall to make enough room for the engine.
This car just looks so much better in pictures than in person.
A technological marvel, but just awkward in real life (from the side).
Gus,
I guess you are the only person in the World that finds the R8 “awkward” from the side, if at all. I have seen this car driven on the street, and I would personally give my left nut to be able to drive this car daily. There is a reason why this car is sold out for the next 1 1/2 years of production. I make 6 figures and I still doubt I would ever be able get the chance to purchase this car.
No, I’ve heard that comment from several reviewers in magazines and on Top Gear as well. But I didn’t think so until I saw one in person.
The cabin is just too far forward, the center of mass looks wrong to me.
But it’s just an opinion, I’m sure very single one will sell quickly.
You are right Gus the sideline of the R8 isn’t as flowing and low as for example on the Gallardo or the F430. What annoys me more are this sideblades which are painted most of the time in a contrast color. Who came with the idea and did you see the extra charge for car color, carbon look and so on?!
I like the idea of the V12 TDI in this car and as I wrote before the concept for something like this has been on my mind many years. But please build it without this cheap bodykit. It looks ridiculous on the car.
Yes, the one I saw was white with a black “blade”. This was particularly “contrasty” and made it worse.
I’m sure a black/black one would look better…
I agree with you Gus, R8’s side profile looks rather awkward, i think perhaps too much front overhang compared to the glass area. As for V12 TDI R8, i think it’s a great idea, but i can’t see too many people buying it, if you have the money for an R8, i’m sure fuel consumption isn’t a worry. So why not just get the V10 petrol R8 when that’s out?
Audi is really on a roll,aren’t they? Well,they deserve it.They’ve really been working hard.
I guess I’m the only one that likes the look of a carbon blade then.
No, I like the carbon blade the best.
It’s just that, if I were shopping for a car in that range of performance and price, I’d probably (maybe?) pick something else that I personally found better looking.
Ahhh, if I only had that problem…
I think this car breaks new ground in several areas; first, I like the contrasting color sideblades; it gives the car more visual interest (if only ‘transparent’ were an option, to show off the motor!), second, diesel engines have serious performance potential just waiting to be tapped- let’s face it, acceleration is about torque, not horsepower! Supercars are overdue to be exploring engine options other than zillion cylinder gas power… Third, it’s become increasingly clear that every major carmaker needs a ‘halo’ car to showcase their engineering capability, and Audi has definitely stepped up to the plate here. Now, if only the German designers could learn a few lessons from their compatriots at Lamborghini… this thing looks like some giant smashed a jellybean!