Audi's R8-based concept car delivers 500PS and 1,000 Nm thanks to V12 TDI power
Jan 14, 2008 -- After ripping up the Le Mans racing rulebook with the diesel-powered R10 TDI, Audi is exploring the possibility of breaking yet another mould with a road-going R8-based TDI super-car. The R8 V12 TDI Concept makes its debut at this month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, replacing the production sports car’s mid-mounted petrol FSI V8 with a 12-cylinder TDI endowed with an incredible 1,000Nm of torque.
2008 Audi R8
Highlights:
• Design study based on acclaimed R8 road car adopts 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder TDI engine first seen in Q7 V12 TDI
• Debuted on Press Day at the North American International Auto Show on January 13
• 6.0-litre bi-turbo TDI engine develops 500PS and 1,000Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 3,000rpm. 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed in excess of 186mph
• Already complies with proposed EU6 emission limits expected to apply from 2014, thanks to highly efficient common rail system with piezo injectors, twin particulate filters and new ultra low emission system
• Includes Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and specially developed version of Audi drive select system with 'Sport' and 'Race' settings
• Satellite navigation system incorporates race circuit information and centrifugal force / boost pressure data when in 'Race' mode
First seen in the forthcoming Q7 V12 TDI SUV, the 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12 engine with 500PS is similar in basic concept to the R10 TDI’s 5.5 litre race engine. It delivers its colossal 1,000Nm output from just 1,750rpm, guaranteeing the effortless delivery of a 4.2 second, 0-62mph acceleration time and a top speed in excess of 186mph.
Despite these astonishing statistics, this remarkable engine shows restraint when it comes to environmental impact. Its fundamental efficiency, achieved through an advanced common rail fuel injection system enhanced by piezo injectors, is complemented by twin particulate filters and a new, innovative ultra-low emission system that ensures compliance with the EU6 emission limits expected to apply from 2014.
The heart of the system is a special catalytic converter downstream of the oxidising catalyst and particulate filter. The second component is an additional tank containing an aqueous urea solution. Small quantities of the solution, known as "AdBlue," are injected into the exhaust system. The hot exhaust gases break the solution down to form ammonia that splits the nitric oxides into inert nitrogen and water. The system remains effective for the entire service life of the vehicle.
The R8’s classic mid-engine configuration, combined with the advanced Audi Space Frame® (ASF) lightweight aluminium panelling attached to an aluminium frame, provides the best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis, which also contains a high proportion of aluminium components.
Audi magnetic ride.
The V12 TDI Concept is equipped with the advanced Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system, which uses magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be affected by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is changed by these magnetic particles. This increas resistance to damper movement to correct pitch and roll when necessary, and reduce resistance at times when ride comfort is of greater importance. The system constantly monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly.
A specially tailored version of Audi drive select, the adaptive dynamics system introduced recently in the new A4 Saloon, also helps to personalise the driving experience. Offering ‘Dynamic’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings, it enables further fine-tuning of the magnetic ride dampers and the parameters of the engine and transmission. With ‘Race’ setting selected on a circuit, the interior instrument lighting changes from white to red and the onboard satellite navigation system displays navigation information relating to the specific circuit being driven, along with a lap timer. Supplementary information, including centrifugal force and boost pressure, can also be accessed in this mode.
quattro® four-wheel-drive reassurance.
Whether on road or circuit, the R8 is effectively moderated by high-performance carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic brakes, and by the legendary quattro® permanent four-wheel-drive system. This apportions power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions and prevents the less desirable handling traits often exhibited by powerful mid-engine, rear-drive sports cars.
Additional downforce is provided by a specially developed, larger version of the production car’s automatically extending rear spoiler, combined with a fully clad diffuser under-body and special measures such as diffuser apertures in the rear bumper. Efficient air channelling accentuates the R8’s widely acclaimed handling capabilities and, to cool the potent V12 engine, air is captured effectively by racing-derived NACA ducts in the new, passenger-side glass roof.
The engine itself is also displayed in all its glory beneath a clear glass cover, through which special air deflectors can be seen. At only 684 mm, the surprisingly compact 12-cylinder is only 166 mm longer than the V8 TDI. With the help of the 2.65 metre wheelbase, the feeling of space which sets the R8 apart from its rivals is hardly compromised.
All LED lighting technology.
Inside, the V12 TDI Concept is distinguishable by its additional aluminium and carbon fibre elements, and by its moulded, racing-style sports seats. On the outside, it is marked out by enlarged inlet and outlet ducts at the front, side and rear, LED lights, the modified rear spoiler and exclusive alloy wheels.
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