Audi R10: A V-12 diesel unveiled for LeMans

We found a nice article about the new V-12 diesel engine which will power the Audi R10, Audi's racecar for LeMans.

Billing it as the world's most powerful automotive diesel, Audi AG's Motorsport division unveils a twin-turbocharged 5.5L DOHC V-12 with output "exceeding" 650 hp and a massive 812 lb.-ft. (1,100 Nm) of torque.

The cubic capacity of the new 5.5L DOHC V-12 is the maximum displacement currently allowed at Le Mans. The V-12 architecture required a lengthened and, therefore, heavier vehicle chassis.

The resultant extra weight, compared with the twin-turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline V-8 with which Audi has dominated endurance racing for the last half-dozen years, was offset by using all-aluminum construction, another diesel-engine milestone for Audi.

Designated V12 TDI, the 4-valve unit has cylinder banks in a 90-degree vee formation and common-rail fueling working at injection pressures claimed to exceed the 23,200 psi (1,600 bar) now widely available for production-car diesels.

GermanCarBlog, Audi R10

Source: Wards Auto

Audi R10: A V-12 diesel unveiled for LeMans

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more