Production Audi R8 TDI Canceled
After all the recent talk of German automakers introducing fun to drive and fuel efficient diesel-powered cars, Audi has finally given its word that at least one diesel vehicle won't be making it into production - the Audi R8 V12 TDI. Following initial speculation that had the diesel-powered sports car joining the growing R8 lineup, Audi officially canceled the program due to the monetary investment that would be required to outfit the car. The oil-burning, torque-spewing R8 was first showed to the public in concept form (pictured) at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Development costs were the biggest determining factor in Audi's decision to not produce the R8 V12 TDI, but since one third of all R8s are sold in the North American market, a low-volume, high-dollar vehicle such as this probably isn't the wisest move considering the current economy. Powered by an engine closely related to the R10 TDI Le Mans racecar, a production R8 V12 TDI could have easily topped $200,000. Another aspect that may have hurt this car's production is the volatile pricing of diesel fuel in North America. For months, diesel cost about $1.00 more per gallon that premium gasoline and now diesel is priced between regular and midgrade.
One thing that would have most certainly made this car an instant classic is its powerful engine and improved design. Replacing the stock R8's 4.2-liter V-8, the R8 V12 TDI crams a 6.0-liter diesel V-12 under the rear hatch which produces 500 horsepower and a stunning 737 lb-ft of torque. As remarkable as this engine is, it would have only slightly improved performance dropping the 0-60 mile per hour time a few tenths down to 4.2 seconds and raising the top speed to 186 mph. To help the bigger engine breathe easier, the R8 V12 TDI Concept had larger intakes built into the unique sideblade as well as an air intake on roof similar to racecars. The roof's air vent fed air to the engine using carbon fiber ducts attached to the car's standard air box.
Other modifications to the R8's sexy design were to improve air flow, aerodynamics and the car's aggressive stance. The air flow changes include taller side intakes up front, wider air intakes in the sideblade and bigger vents over the engine bay. Aerodynamic improvements were made via an air splitter affixed to the lower front fascia and a fixed rear spoiler in the rear replacing the electrical retracting spoiler of the stock R8. As hard as it may seem to improve the R8's design, the concept managed to do so with a larger, uninterrupted front grille, sculpted side sills and an exclusive set of wheels to show off the brakes.
Inside, the R8 V12 TDI Concept is about as close as a stock R8 will possibly ever get to having push button starter with the button mounted directly to the steering wheel. Replacing the luxurious seats of the production R8, the diesel concepts used sportier bucket seats with heavy bolstering and contrasting red stitching and R8 lettering. Finishing off the concept's unique cabin, the solid roof is replaced by a pair of glass panels over each seat.
While an Audi R8 V12 TDI may not be in the cards for car lovers, there is still the 5.2 V10 FSI and drop-top Spyder to look forward to by 2011.