Audi celebrates 25 years since the introduction of TDI engines into its range by introducing the Audi RS5 TDi Concept. Another bet by the rings brand to demonstrate that Diesel blocks can also have a sporty character.
The acronym TDI is very important to Audi. For years, the Volkswagen Group's TDI technology found in the German brand the ideal showcase for its technological innovations. We recall, for example, the victories of Audi in endurance tests with the R18 TDI; the Audi R8 V12 concept, which was the world's first (and so far only…) super sports car equipped with a Diesel engine; or the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, which appeared equipped with the largest and most powerful diesel engine in the world.
All these years of evolution through competition, marketing and development of TDI engines have resulted in a new model: the Audi RS5 TDI Concept. Another flagship in the development of diesel engines that Audi intends to raise high.
For this reason, the Audi RS5 TDI Concept features innovations taken directly from the brand's sports department. The brand's intention is to make this RS5 TDI the most modern and sporty Diesel of today. The emphasis is clearly on the use of triple supercharging. Altogether, there are two turbos and a volumetric compressor to power the 3.0 TDI engine that we already know from other models of the brand (A6, A5, Q7, Q5).
On the RS5 TDi Concept, the 3.0 TDI block now delivers an impressive 385hp of power and an impressive 750Nm of maximum torque. Compared to its petrol sibling, it's 65hp less in power, but it's more 320Nm of maximum torque. Impressive numbers that the 8-speed R-Tronic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system will have to deal with.
But because in a sports car it's not just power that counts, Audi operated a strict diet on the V6 block, saving 20kg in engine weight with lighter internal components, such as the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons. The performance of this RS5 TDi Concept promises not to disappoint anyone. With an acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in just 4s, 0.6s less than its brother RS5 on gasoline and a top speed of 280km/h, lung is something that this Audi does not lack.
Audi decided to take a different approach. As we have already mentioned, the Audi RS5 TDi is the brand's 1st model to debut the supercharged casing, with the two turbos of the 3.0 Bi-TDI version, the party is joined by a small volumetric compressor with fully electric operation, powered by a 48-volt system and a battery/capacitor.
The function of this compressor is simple: to generate supercharge pressure for the low inertia turbos when the exhaust gas pressure cannot do so. Result? The maximum torque of this engine (750Nm) is available as early as 1250rpm. With no lag in throttle response, all the firepower is instantly available.
With full power reaching 4200rpm, this RS5 TDi Concept, promises to shame its gasoline brother whether in its huge reserve of power, whether in acceleration and speed recovery without any hesitation, accompanied by a visceral torque discharge applied to the Quattro system. To further complicate the bills for its gasoline brother, Audi announces consumption below 5L per 100km.
And what do you think about this proposal from Audi, are you able to give in to the numbers of this RS5 TDi Concept or its gasoline brother with a V8 block, does it still have that special charm?
