The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans was originally shown as the R8 V12 TDI at the Detroit Auto Show, earlier this year. It is the world’s first ever diesel-powered supercar aimed at mass production. The show was carried off at Florida’s South Miami Beach, a few days ago. Drunk, shirtless males with flip flops sniffed up the bikinis of the far classier (mostly) females of the collectively buzzed subspecies, all paying a minimum of $400 per night to stay in any room of any hotel near the beach. This car has already thrown the DadeCounty invasion for a loop. Whether the Germans’ Diesel Strategy will work or not, we will know once it is released, this September. An R8 with the meanest, highest-tech, race-inspired diesel in it should play the good ambassador. Hope so.
For the sake of this early 2-day prototype test under the hot and humid tropical sun, the R8 TDI was let out to a 40 mph V-max, and the Florida Highway patrol shut down various Miami streets. It is not only a working prototype, but, I must say, a tender Beast. Of primary importance is starting a healthy debate regarding what diesel technologies can do for the environment, and also for high performance driving and racing. So much for talking.
Now let’s get into some real stats. When allowed out to full tune, the R8 TDI Le Mans can provide 737 pound-feet of torque b/w 1750-3500 rpm to go along with its 493 hp. It shares some philosophy with the 5.5l twin-turbo V-12 in the Audi R10 LMP1 race car, But there are some key differences like packaging needs, reliability, emission, and driving comfort. This 6.0l has a V-angle of just 60 degrees between the cylinder banks.
Additionally, the crankcase is not of Aluminum, but of special alloy. Emissions are almost ZERO, thanks to the intricate X-gen clean diesel treatment relying on a 6 gallon tank of AdBlue. If we remove the stock high-revving 90 degree 4.2l V-8 gas engine from the back of R8, Audi pushes the rear firewall forward by 2 inches to create room for the V-12 TDI engine that is approx. 6.5 inches longer. The gaping NACA duct behind the passengers’ heads within the transparent polycarbonate roof is a gorgeous piece of functionality. It’s amazing what such ultra-ready torque can do to make the blood race. The first several seconds up to the speed-nanny came out to be very enlightening, during the speed test. First gear is almost unnecessary. That is what a Twin-turbo V-12 gets you.
The turbo/intercoolers’ wheezing and hissing is a constant companion above 1700 rpm. I was almost shocked to see that there is no plastic anywhere. It is all anodized aluminum.
Special Specifications:
Performance and Efficiency:
4,200 cc 4.2 liters V 8 front engine with 12.5 compression ratio and four valves per cylinder
Main premium unleaded fuel tank
Power: 313 kW , 420 HP SAE @ 8,250 rpm; 317 ft lb , 430 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Sports heated electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, lumbar adjustment, fire adjustments and tilt adjustment
3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat with pre-tensioners, height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on passenger seat with pre-tensioners
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