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Following the success of its Le Mans-winning diesel-powered R10 TDI, Audi is looking at the possibility of turning to diesel for a road-going supercar, based on the R8.
This concept, unveiled at the Detriot Motor Show, is powered by the same 6.0-litre bi-turbo TDI engine showcased in the Q7 V12 TDI SUV - which is similar, in concept, to the R10 TDI race engine.
It develops 375kW and over 950Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, producing an acceleration time of 4.2 seconds from 0-100km/h and top speeds in excess of 300km/h.
The R8's system also integrates Audi's AdBlue technology, where small quantities of aqueous urea solution are injected into the exhaust system helping to minimise emissions.
Audi says the combination of this state-of-the-art ultra-low emission system with the use of advanced common rail fuel injection and twin particulate filters should mean the R8 diesel concept would comply with EU6 emission limits, proposed for 2014.
- REUTERS
