Audi’s RS5 TDI Competition Concept is back in the spotlight as it set a new lap record on the Sachsenring circuit for diesel-powered cars.
The Audi technical concept lapped the 3.6-km (2.2-mile) race course in a time of 1 minute 35.35 seconds with race car driver Nicki Thiim behind the wheel. The previous record, set in February 2015, was improved by 1.87 seconds.
The record time was set as part of Sachsenring Record Day, which was organized by “Auto Bild Sportscars” magazine and tire manufacturer Michelin.
Compared to the technical concept unveiled last year on the 25th anniversary of the TDI engine, the Audi RS5 TDI Competition Concept has been further developed for racetrack duty. The 3.0-liter biturbo V6 TDI engine includes an electrically driven compressor and now produces 435PS (429hp) and 800Nm (590lb-ft) of torque. As a result, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in less than 16 seconds.
“We really pulled out all of the stops in developing the Audi RS 5 TDI Competition Concept – in its lightweight design, chassis and of course its drive system. We exploit the full power potential of the TDI and supplement it with the added thrust of the electric compressor, which we will soon see in a production car model,” said Ulrich Weiß, Head of TDI Engines Development at Audi AG.
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