2008 Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

Audi, as part of the Volkswagen group of auto manufacturers, has spent the last decade or so making it a point to be different. From their innovative use of the W12 engine to their consistent evolution of Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi have done their best to stay at the forefront of automotive trends. Quite possibly their most startling break with tradition has come with their development of diesel engines. While diesel engines are not usually associated with high performance sports cars, or indeed anything other than 18 wheelers and entry-level European economy cars, Audi decided to change that image. They not only ran a turbo diesel powered car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, they won with it, and they have continued to place very well with their diesel-powered prototype cars. The prestige associated with winning this event has forced many in the automotive world to sit up and take notice of Audi’s diesel technology. Now that diesel engines had proven that they can outclass the gasoline motors of the world, Audi’s new goal was to apply this technology to a production super car.


The vehicle that Audi has come up with is the 2008 Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept. Audi had already developed the gasoline-powered R8, which was powered by a Lamborghini V10, and the high performance numbers of this vehicle meant that expectations were high for the TDI version. The diesel R8’s specifications are not going to make anyone question Audi’s decision to build it: the twin-turbo charged V12 TDI engine generates 500 horsepower and a blistering 737 lb-ft of torque. Not only that, but the direct injection technology employed in the engine makes the TDI run 30 percent cleaner than a regular diesel motor. How did Audi manage to combine that level of power with an environmental consciousness? An emissions system control system was designed that injects a solution called ‘AdBlue” into the exhaust, which produces ammonia. In turn, this ammonia breaks down toxic nitric acid into nitrogen and water vapor, sort of like an extra catalytic converter without the exhaust restriction.

It wasn’t enough to radically change the R8’s drive train – the exterior design of the TDI Concept also got its fair share of re-evaluation. As if it were possible to attract any more attention to the stunning gasoline-powered R8, the TDI version bears an extended rear wing and a visually widened body. An air duct on the rear of the roof brings in as much cold oxygen as it can to the hungry V12 below. The rear-engine car also benefits from a glass roof. The Concept’s interior is quite similar to the original R8, with a race-inspired steering wheel matching the lap timer and screen that displays information about which race track you are currently driving on. As a finishing touch the headlights are underlined by a row of LEDs, which has become an Audi trademark. These same LEDs are used to illuminate the engine bay so you can show off your mighty diesel muscle.

The 2008 Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept is an impressive piece of machinery. A lot of credit has to go to Audi for taking an alternative fuel such as diesel and repositioning it in such a dramatic fashion. Will Audi follow through and actually produce a street version of this vehicle? It is hard to say for certain. Does Audi really want to compete with itself in the super car market by producing both a diesel and gasoline version of what is essentially the same car? It seems likely that one or the other will make it through to the next model year, and while a diesel super car is impressive, Audi is unlikely to count on sales to environmentally conscious billionaires. Time will tell if the TDI Concept will be showing up in an Audi showroom near you sometime in the future.





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May 1, 2008, 3:11 pm