Diesels heading for a 1-2 finish in the 12 hours of Sebring

Two Audi R18 Turbo Diesels are leading the 12 Hours OF Sebring race with one hour to go. Not much new here, as the Audi Diesels have dominated prototype racing for a few years now, but I still find it fascinating that Diesel powered race cars can wipe up on their gasoline powered counterparts.

The R18's are powered by 3.7 Liter 120 degree V6 single turbo diesels generating an admitted 397 KW (which is 540 HP), though the real power output is probably quite a bit more than Audi will publicly admit to.

It's over, and it was the Audi R18 Diesels finishing first and second.

What is the special trait of these diesels? Is this something new? I know they are better at long steady work loads but this is racing.

kevin

I don't know why they consistently dominate, but one trait is that they exhibit phenomenal reliability, and obviously another is that they are quite a bit faster than the competition.

I suppose "emissions" are not a concern in racing. Just let the EPA get involved and the race will be over for diesels!

kevin

They're already infiltrating NASCAR. Cars are all FI now! Of course, lots of breakdowns during the 500. I called that one.

Crap, when I read the title I thought there were Peterbuilt tractors racing around Sebring now! That would be so much fun!

World class engineering....397 KW output....right! .... and the rpm these rigs spin at? Bet they won't stay together to race another day, too. Porches/Audi...hmmmmm think there is a brain-trust there?
I drove an A-8 last year and was blown away. Nothing I could ever afford 'to register', let alone buy, but once in a lifetime it's fun to dream...... I have friends at the local Chev/Cadillac dealership who tease me into a test drive once in a while.....yes they are IMPRESSIVE cars also, but....................The VOLT: I see them on the road all the time, and it's weird to see no exhaust 'fog' on cold days.
It was comfortable, good seating elevation, peppy, quiet and looks good. Fit and finish were very good also, but 43,400 smackers.......damn, double dammit! Forget the rebate...you and I are paying that one....no free lunches here!

You can't even order enough on a new Prius to get to 40K!.......and I see hundreds of those a month. Oh, here is one for all you Rav-O-Vac Rompers...Try to move a Prius on slippery ground. Traction control tells you to 'F-off'.
You will want your ole Chevy back after you get out in a muddy road because the part we call "operator influence" IS NOT POSSIBLE! Yah, I got muddy sneakers.....only once however, never again.

I thought VW had a V10 and a V12 diesel back in the old WW2 underground jet assembly facilities.......ref: Motor Trend and Popular Science

.......They are faster because they make MORE POWER! Efficient power, usable power.....wonder how long it will be before they are outlawed or restricted......Can you imagine any trucker made to switch to a high revving gasoline engine over his (or her) 400 to 600 hp Cummins/Cat/Detroit/Mercedes Bends (those electronic gremlins fixed yet?) ....didn't hear they were......Freightliner Woes...

One perhaps unique feature of the R18's (aside from being powered by Diesel engines) is that they have "all wheel drive".

If something is working, we will figure out how to make it "more competative" with other technologies!

Kevin

One perhaps unique feature of the R18's (aside from being powered by Diesel engines) is that they have "all wheel drive".

That should not be an advantage in an endurance/distance race?

Kevin

Here is a link to a picture of the Audi R18 Turbo Diesel.

http://www.motorauthority.com/image/100383729_2012-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-lmp1-race-car

Would love to here it run, must be an incredible sound. A little different then the scream of the gas jobs?
Kevin

The LeMans type Audi Turbo Diesel prototypes that had dominated in years past were V10's, but there was a rule change reducing their engine size to give the competition a better chance at winning. Apparently that didn't work.

I believe the 24 Hours of LeMans race is in June. These Diesels are built to hold together for 24 hours. Anything beyond that is not necessary. My guess is that engines are not rebuilt, but rather are replaced from one race to the next. It will be interesting to see how they do at LeMans.

Perhaps it's time to bring Diesels to Nascar Sprint Cup?

There was a Diesel entry at Indy for a few years back in the 40's (Cummins I believe). Middle of the pack at best.

HUGE money for a racin' diesel vs 50K for a good Sprint Car Motor. You are a bean-counter......ticket prices would have to reflect the investment.....and American 'AIN'T' ready for diesel anything! I sure like the VW production 4 cylinder. 55 mpg at 70 mph. Numbers we all can live with.