Audi R8 diesel coming

The firm will make the R8 available with its new 4.2-litre V8 TDI unit late next year. Currently powering the Q7 SUV, the oil-burner produces 322bhp and 760Nm of torque. How-ever, it is likely to be tuned further for the R8, pumping out more than 350bhp and 800Nm of torque.

Hooked up to either the R8’s six-speed manual or six-speed R tronic transmissions, the four-wheel-drive supercar should be capable of going from 0-60mph in around five seconds, with a top speed of 160mph. And it will return around 30mpg.

The engine will be the final unit to go in the R8, after the 5.0-litre V10 model arrives in early 2008, priced around £85,000. The diesel version should cost about £70,000.