[Randy]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but why wouldn't Audi have gone with a W12 engine arragement? I now know why.

Firstly, the W12 engine is unproven as far as a diesel application, and secondy(and why it probably can't succed as a diesel) is that the W12 has such narrow connecting rods. On the VW/Audi VR6, the rods are 20mm(.79 in) thick. On the W12(so a normal V12 type crank can be used), the rods are 13mm(.51 in) thick due to the short crank pins.

A W12 engine would've meant a wheelbase slighty longer that ofthe R8, and more of the engine/gearbox mass near the center of the car(the main reason for the long wheelbase of the R10 due to it's engine weight), but it wouldn't last in a race for too long.

I doubt a W configuration does the CofG any favours which is probably why it wasn't chosen, along with complexity.