Tuner working on Audi R8 Diesel with V6 or V8 TDI

What engine would you put in the Audi R8? For the most part, the stock V8 or V10 options are exactly what you would want in your mid-engined supercar, but for diesel enthusiasts, that’s just not enough. Volkswagen diesel enthusiasts at Darkside Developments are swapping out their engines for their Audi R8s, but they need help choosing an engine to install. Would you like to put V6 TDI and V8 TDI in your dream Audi R8 diesel?

Before the Dieselgate scandal, VW and Audi were the kings of the diesel world by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with their LMP1 TDI power car and making desirable diesel products. To celebrate its dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi had planned to release an R8 powered by a V12 diesel engine, but things got a little tricky.

We’re not here to discuss the Dieselgate scandal issue, but rather the coolness of a diesel-powered supercar. As VW and Audi no longer want to draw attention to their diesel product offerings, the Darkside Developments team is here to fill the void and build a diesel-powered Audi R8.

The Darkside Developments team is asking their viewers to weigh in and help the team choose a drivetrain to try and fit their Audi R8. It’s not as simple as bolting on a new engine that will fit perfectly into the Audi R8 gearbox. Darkside Developments must consider which transmission works well with the engine they choose. The trans needs to be powerful enough to handle the extra horsepower the team will boost the engine to for reliable performance.

While a diesel supercar looks a bit silly, it’s important to remember that Audi would have built one if the Dieselgate hadn’t happened. This makes this project the fulfillment of a promise rather than a strange Frankenstein project.