So is Audi V12 R8 really that exciting? Erm, not really.

Stunning Audi R8 V12 TDI has recently generated much excitement all over the globe. But is it any good really? Read more to find out…

It truly is a revolutionary step – placing a big bore relative slow revving and supercharged diesel engine in a pure supercar.
Numbers are definitely impressive – a 6.0 V12 twin turbo diesel producing 500hp and 1000Nm of torque spread across wide range of rpm. So far so good. But unfortunately, that is where the good news end.
Audi seems to have forgotten what sportiness actually means. To most sportscar/supercar buyers, these is so much more in a car than just straight line acceleration. And even that is not so great anyway – 0-100kph in 4,2 seconds doesn’t sound any good when you consider the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia is running 0-100kph around 3,7 seconds. Using a 4,3 litre V8 without turbos.
In a sports car, turbos are not good simply because they dilute engine’s response. You either have not enough power (before turbos catch up) or too much power (when turbos kick in suddenly). Now imagine this will happen in the middle of a corner…
Another drawback will be the feeling you will probably get. Diesel engines are slow running by their very nature so you never ever get the excitement of revving an engine sky high.

You know what? I think driving the V12 R8 will feel like being pulled by an invisible rope accompanied by sound of a snowcat…