(autoinsidernews) - Last month, we reported that Audi was considering offering a diesel version of its R8 sports car, according to Wolfgang Hatz, Audi's executive director of powertrain development. It is one of Hartz's goals to offer a diesel-powered sports car. At that time we speculated that the V12 TDI from the diesel-powered Q7 would be an obvious choice with its 500-hp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque, reports Trend.
Now Audi senior board members have confirmed that Audi is working on a diesel version of its R8 sports car. The R8 TDI hasn't been approved for production yet, and there isn't any official news about what the engine would be, latest reports indicate that it could be the V12.
If Audi decides to go with the V12, it would likely be the quickest version of the R8. The V12 is down a few horsepower from the expected Lamborghini Gallardo derived V10, the diesel would have far more torque. There are also packaging issues the Audi will have to deal with, like fitting the significantly larger V12 in the car, and whether there would be enough room between the engine and the rear bumper to fit the diesel particulate filter trap.
If the diesel R8 gets the official green light and the technical problems can be solved, we could see the R8 diesel on the road by 2009.