The new audi r10 lemans car…. powered by a twin turbo v12…. diesel! whoa.

“The all-aluminum V12 bi-turbo is a huge leap forward. Although limited by the Le Mans regulations to a maximum displacement of 5.5 liters, a maximum boost of 2.94 bar, and a restricted air intake, the engine still develops 650 hp, and a stump-pulling torque of 1,100 Nm.”

using a turbo-diesel has huge advantages, especially when it comes to real-world applications. beings diesel motor, it is not the highest revving engine in the world. it develops max power between 3,000 and 5,000 rpms. as opposed to a normal petrol racing engine which might max at 10-12k rpms. developing road ready engines capable, and reliable enough for the road is something that is years away. however the tdi technology is here now.

as a result of the low revs the engine is extremely quiet - and hums along at a fraction of the noise levels of traditional engines. the tdi is also gets better gas mileage, and is as clean burning as any of VW/Audi’s other tdi powertrains

score one for the torque mosters!