I'm just all giddy!

Written by: Autocar staff
Ingolstadt, Germany � 1/7/2008

Audi Readies First-Ever Diesel Supercar



Two weeks before the Detroit motor show opens it doors, Audi�s star of the North American International Auto Show has leaked onto the internet � and according to early reports, it�s a 500hp diesel-powered sports car.

The German car brand will show a design concept called the R8 V12 TDi at Detroit and, just as its name suggests, it�ll be a twelve-cylinder turbodiesel version of the critically acclaimed mid-engined R8.

Although there has been no official confirmation from Audi yet, the R8 V12 TDi should use the same 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 as the Q7. That motor produces a heady 500hp and 738lb ft of torque between 1750- and 3000rpm. Bluetec technology means it�ll also be clean enough to meet emissions standards.

If the response to the hot diesel R8 is positive and Audi puts it into production, the R8 TDi will be a line in the sand in the development of the diesel motor car � the first true diesel-powered supercar, Audi could argue. Expect more on the car to emerge at its unveiling next weekend.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto...wmodels/42284/



http://www.germancarblog.com/2008/01...o-detroit.html

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...4/audi_r8.html