Audi has produced two prototypes based on the Audi R8, the TDI V12 and V12 TDI Le Mans (the differences between one and another are decorative). Both have a twelve-cylinder diesel engine. Audi is assessing the possibility of the series production model definitive containing some of the characteristics displayed in these prototypes.

It has 500 hp maximum power. “According to Audi exceeds 300 km / h” full speed and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.2 s. Therefore, this prototype is faster than the current R8 with gasoline V8 engine and 420 hp, which reached 301 km / h speed limit and takes 4.6 s to reach 100 km / h.
Regarding the R8 which is currently up for sale, the R8 V12 TDI has the same structure, with the chassis manufactured aluminium (bodywork weighs 210 kg) and the engine placed in rear longitudinal central position. The traction is four wheels and change scheduled for this prototype is six manual gears and double clutch.

The R8 V12 TDI concept has certain details of appearance that are not present in the model, which is for sale. One interesting detail is that the roof is made of glass and two proportions in its final part, has an opening (as some car racing), which leads to the air inlet of the engine.

The aerodynamic development of this prototype is different to that of the R8 production: There are several details that distinguish it as inlets that the bumpers are larger and broadcasters on the back of the body are more marked, there are also some taloneras headings under which channel the airflow diffuser to tarsero front. The wing protrudes from the bodywork and high-speed rises automatically to vary its impact with the air.
The interior of this prototype maintains the style and distribution of commanders R8 which is for sale, but changing the decor and some coating materials (the most abundant carbon fiber and aluminum). What more is changing the steering wheel, because the prototype is integrated into him a button and stop the engine, and a command from which can be changed in three modes ( “Race”, “Sport” and “Dynamic”) response from the engine and suspension hardness variable ( “Magnetic Ride”).
The screen browser has the peculiarity that can display a meter lap times, the transverse acceleration and pressure control of the turbocharger.

As in the R8 already sold, the engine of R8 V12 TDI is illuminated by some white diodes and vain motor can be coated sheets of carbon fiber.
This prototype has ceramic brakes. The front brake calipers are six-piston monoblock and aluminium. The tweezers are floating rear.
It also carries headlamps with LEDs, which compared with halogen headlights and xenon, give a color temperature closer to natural light, which is more suitable for driving. Lexus already uses this technology in the LS 600h.