It's been 25 years since Audi->ke14 launched its TDI engine, and the Germans are celebrating the milestone by introducing a diesel-powered Audi RS5. Just a concept vehicle for now, the RS5 had its regular V-8 engine replaced by an oil-burning 3.0-liter TDI that features the company's new electric->ke1030 turbo unit.

What's so special about that, you may ask? Well, is appears that Audi somehow managed to enable its electric turbo to provide maximum torque from just 1,250 rpm. The unit basically ensures there's no turbo lag until the regular turbos kick in at 3,000 rpm, turning the RS5 TDI Concept into a major breakthrough.

With that pesky turbo lag out of the way, the diesel RS5 is quite a performer too, needing only four seconds to accelerate from naught to 62 mph. Of course, that wouldn't be possible without help from the 385 ponies and the 553 pound-feet of torque under the hood. Needless to say, the RS5 TDI is the fastest six-cylinder diesel vehicle ever developed within the Volkswagen Group->ke94.

But will this concept vehicle make it in to production to become the company's first diesel RS? Unfortunately, Audi has yet to make a statement on that, but we have a hunch this new electric turbo technology will become more than just an experiment. We wouldn't be surprised to see the RS5 TDI hop on the assembly line over the next couple of years, but, if that doesn't happen, the electric turbo will find its way into other production cars.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Audi RS 5 TDI Concept.

2014 Audi RS 5 TDI Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi RS 5 TDI Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 385
  • Torque: 553
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Audi RS 5 TDI Concept in detail

The Audi RS5 TDI Concept is basically identical to the regular, gasoline-powered coupe->ke141. The only details that make it stand out are the red and black stripes that run along the hood, roof, and trunk, as well as the markings placed on the sides. Naturally, all these stripes and markings would disappear on a production model, being replaced by RS5 TDI badges placed on the fenders and trunk.

The concept's front and rear fascias are also distinguished by red accents. Up front, the lower part of the apron is finished in red, while the rear diffuser is highlighted by the same color. That's a nice touch given the vehicles' white and black exteriors, but the accents are less effective with those stripes and side markings in sight.

Competitors

Because no major automakers are currently selling high-performance, diesel-powered vehicles, the Audi RS5 TDI would have to compete against the same vehicles the gasoline-powered RS5 takes on in today's market.

BMW M4

First up is the newly launched BMW M4, a model previously sold as the M3 Coupe->ke2366. The benchmark in terms of performance compacts has been redesigned inside and out for the 2015 model year, bringing less total mass and improved aerodynamics to the table. The 4 Series' already sporty interior becomes even more dramatic on the M4, thanks to a pair of competition-like front seats and numerous high-end details carrying the M division signature.

Just like the TDI, the M4 also dropped its V-8 powerplant to make way for a smaller, inline-six unit. Rated at 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, the gasoline mill is superior to that of the RS5 TDI as far as ponies are concerned, but lacks Audi's enormous amount of torque. Performance is somewhat similar, with the Bimmer taking only 3.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph with the automatic transmission. When fitted with the manual gearbox, the coupe needs 4.1 seconds to reach the same mark. Pricing for the 2015 M4 begins from $64,200.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Unlike the M4, the current CTS-V Coupe is anything but new. However, you should let its dated looks fool you, as this beefed-up Caddy packs more horses than any of its rivals. The supercharged, 6.2-liter, V-8 engine is good for 556 ponies and 551 pound-feet of torque and pushes the vehicle from 0 to 60 in just four seconds and up to a top speed of 180 mph. For the 2015 model year, its last appearance on the market, the CTS-V Coupe comes with Magenitc Ride Control and Brembo brakes at all four corners.

On the outside, updates include a new set of wheels, red brake calipers and a selection of three body paints. The interior boasts a few exclusive features as well, including Recaro performance seats, microfiber suede surfaces, as well as Ebony trimming with contrast stitching and Midnight Sapelle wood trims. Only 500 units of these lightning-fast coupes will be built before the brand-new model sees the light of day with 2014 CTS styling.