Quick diesel option for R8

The Audi R8 supercar could have a muscular 372kW six-litre V12 twin-turbo diesel under its glass bonnet.

A concept diesel R8 was shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January and Audi was said to be planning to release a production model as early as 2010.

It would be one of the quickest diesels around after the R10 last year became the first diesel car to win the famed Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

The 60 degree V12 has the same displacement, but is a different engine from the race-car unit, although it does share technology.

While 372kW is potent for a diesel engine, it pales against other supercars. However, the diesel V12 produces 1000Nm of torque from only 1750rpm and fires the car off the line to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 320km/h.

That compares with the R8's 309kW of power, 430Nm of torque, 4.6 second dash to 100km/h and 309km/h top speed.

But check your racing pulse, first.

Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf says it's not a definite. “It is still at concept car stage with no formal announcement yet of production status,” she said.

“If it does move forward to the next stage we will definitely investigate the market possibility for Australia, although I imagine the volumes will be quite niche.”

Audi has sold 41 petrol R8s so far this year.

While the diesel R8 looks similar to the petrol model, only the front wings, A-pillars, roof rails and rear three-quarters are the same.

Fitting the 60mm longer and heavier diesel engine required substantial changes, including wider air intakes, a revised rear wing, more aerodynamics, blade-like spoilers within the intakes up front and another roof-mounted air intake for the twin intercoolers.

Cabin space is marginally reduced, there is no longer any storage at the rear of the car and rear vision is almost nil, so a reversing camera has been installed on the adjustable wing. Inside, there are new red anodised instruments, a lightweight leather dash, and a red wheel-mounted starter button.

Audi has employed its Adblue technology that treats the exhaust gases with urea to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and meet the Euro VI pollution laws scheduled for 2010.

It also features Audi's Dynamic Drive system which balances suspension, throttle and engine settings according to a knob on the steering wheel spoke. The various modes harden the Magnetic Ride suspension and sharpen throttle response.