Future supercars to say goodbye to gasoline The Detroit Motor Show is usually a place where manufacturers show their most powerful, gas-guzzling V8s and V12s. Performance cars ...
The Detroit Motor Show is usually a place where manufacturers show their most powerful, gas-guzzling V8s and V12s. Performance cars with a hint of saving the planet have not been the theme so far.
Until now. You see, in 2012, Europe will have new CO2 legislations, which will require each car manufacturer to have an average emission rating of 120 g/ km for their entire range. The target, according to most manufacturers, is unrealistic, but they have to meet the deadline, before they start paying heavy penalties.
At a press event enlivened by a solo acoustic performance by rock star Bryan Adams, Audi has unveiled a thought-provoking concept car powered by mold-breaking, race-proven diesel technology.
“We are challenging the final piece of conventional wisdom [about diesel engine cars],” said Audi AG Chairman Rupert Stadler. Certainly, he has the right car for the job. The R8 TDI concept’s 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbo engine develops 500 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. It nails the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of more than 186 mph. And that mountainous torque is available at just 1750 rpm.
Derived from the V12 unit powering the R10 racecar that has twice run the prestigious and demanding Le Mans 24-hour race, the engine is just 6.5 inches longer than the V8 in the regular R8. Its narrow 60-degree angle, and advanced materials combining iron and graphite make it compact and light enough to fit the R8 shell.
Don't know and I don't think I am qualified enough to make that statement. Reducing emissions is some thing that should be done by manufacturers, if that means switching to gasoline or bio fuel, then so be it!
