Audi Uses Diesel For ‘Green’ Racing
Audi continues to impress and set new standards for already high German engineering and technology. At the recent 12 Hours of Sebring Endurance Race, we were exposed to Audi’s 650 horsepower, twin-turbo V12 diesel racecar – the R10 TDI. Audi has owned this race since 2000, winning eight consecutive races with both gas and diesel racecars.
Audi is using the R10 TDI to promote “green” racing.
Don’t laugh, as they are on to something. You can tell immediately when you watch the R10s blow by the competition on Sebring’s Ulmann straight. The R10s are quiet, so quiet in fact you wonder how they dominate nearly every race. They emit a mellifluous rumble, while the rest of the field yields an aural assault – you’d better be armed with earplugs or your ears will ring for days.
To better understand the R10’s “stealth” diesel technology, I spoke with Johan De Nysschen, executive vice-president, Audi of America. “The issue with diesels is that we’ve built a more powerful car that develops torque and horsepower at far lower engine speeds than our competitors. For example, while the gasoline engines may run at 9,000-10,000 rpm to get max power, our diesels run at 5,000 rpm, greatly reducing noise, fuel consumption and engine wear. Turbochargers further quiet noise, and we also use particulate filters to show Audi’s commitment to a cleaner environment, and these filters also reduce noise.”
So if Audi is having so much success with potent diesels on the track, why not build a diesel supercar for the street? They have, and it’s called the R8 TDI Le Mans, after the famed French racecourse of the same name (where Audi also dominates, by the way). As part of our Sebring race weekend, a handful of journalists were invited to drive the only R8 TDI prototype in the U.S.
Physically, it’s the fraternal twin of the world class R8 sportscar. All of the similar lines are there, until you get up close to the TDI. The first major difference you’ll notice is a carbon fiber NACA duct flush mounted into the roof, feeding two carbon fiber air intakes for the R8’s 6.0 liter V12 TDI powerplant. And I called it a “powerplant” for a reason, as the R8 TDI pumps out an incredible 738 pound-feet of torque!
The R8 TDI Le Mans also employs a similar “green” technology of its racing brethren. At the heart of the emissions system is a special catalytic converter, oxidizing catalyst and particulate filter. Another major component of the system is an additional tank containing an aqueous urea solution called “AdBlue.” Small quantities of AdBlue are injected into the exhaust system. Then, hot exhaust gases break the solution down to form ammonia that splits the nitric oxides into clean nitrogen and water. The system remains effective for the life of the vehicle.
The Audi R8 TDI Le Mans already fulfills “Euro 6” emissions standards that are scheduled to take effect in 2014 and call for sharply reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. By also designing in ultra-precise fuel metering via the R8 TDI’s “common rail” system, Audi has made fuel use of current clean diesel technology.
The R8 TDI’s interior features a three-spoke sport steering wheel with a polished aluminum flat lower edge. This gives the car a racing feel and look, and also facilitates entry and exit for the driver. The start/stop button for the engine and the “Drive Select” switch with the Dynamic/Sport/Race settings are located on the steering wheel. The Drive Select switch controls engine and transmission electronics as well as the magnetic ride dampers in each of the three different modes.
The view to the rear is severely compromised by the aforementioned NACA duct and carbon fiber air intakes. To help offset this, the R8 incorporates a rear view camera that can be used in reverse and forward modes, giving you an electronic view of your blindspot.
Outside, in addition to the NACA duct, the R8 TDI gets more carbon fiber and polished aluminum and chrome trim than its gas-powered brother. For example, an aluminum lip extends the circumference of the R8 TDI, further enhancing its ground effects look.
Full spec R8 TDI’s sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. Peak torque is achieved at only 1,750 rpm, with effortless acceleration in every one of the six forward gears. To slow the diesel’s locomotion, Audi uses massive carbon ceramic brakes front and rear.
When this prototype goes into production it will rewrite the rules for the supercar class by proving that Audi’s visionary diesel technology is a viable pathway to green performance.
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