We'll admit it; we were wrong. While sources at Audi have confirmed that there are, indeed, R8s running around with S8-sourced V10s under their rear bonnet, the car that Audi brought with it to Detroit is a V12 diesel. With 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the R8 TDI runs up to 62mph in only 4.2 seconds, with — this is a given for an engine with its torque peak at 1,750 rpm — strong acceleration in any gear, even the overdrive ratios of its six-speed manual.
Visually, the R8 TDI looks like the standard car from the side, and stays that way until you get to the front, where enormous air ducts have been integrated to help keep the diesel cool. The roof has been replaced with a tinted glass panel, and has an integrated ram-air intake duct that leads to carbon-fiber pipework for the twin intake tracts spanning the engine bay.
Inside, the seats are finished in custom leather with embossed "R8" logos, and the steering wheel has been fitted with a start/stop button and controller for the Drive Select system, which lets the driver choose between dynamic, sport, and race settings. The switch not only affects the magnetic ride system, but also enhances engine response for each setting.
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