The tales of a diesel version of the Audi R8 has long lingered in the autoworld. Especially after they made two R8 concept cars, each fitted with a monstrous 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine producing 500-horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque; it all looked promising for a diesel R8 to make an appearance until the plans were taken off the table.
But now, it seems like the plans are back on the drawing board as Automobile Magazine reported that the next gen R8 due to make an appearance in 2015 will eventually get a diesel option in the checklist. Like the current model, it will be available in both V8 and V10 guise, but with the V8 in a smaller cubic capacity.
Instead of a 4.2-liter V8, it is said that a twin turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 will take its place, offering 460-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The larger V10 however will retain its 5.2-liter naturally aspirated configuration, with an expected output of around 540-horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Considering Audi’s success in utilizing the TDI technology to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is surprising to have yet seen a road-going diesel version of the R8 roaming the streets by now. VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech is also said to be keen to see a diesel R8 being launched.
