Diesel, the new cool.

Audi demonstrated absolute innovation at this weekend’s 24 hours of Le Mans. This year the factory developed and entered two V-12 Turbo Diesel powered prototypes and outright won with one car and took 3rd with the second.

Le Mans, typically a battle amongst two or three top tier manufacturers or teams, was instead this year a technical demonstration by Audi of where the near future of engine development is headed. Not only are they scarry quiet when they run, but also they logged the best gas milage of any of their competitors.

Diesel in the states is still associated with trucks. In the past it provided less power, made engines run louder, and created a lot of smoke. The new diesel sweeping Europe is quiet, and clean. Audi’s performance this weekend is sure to send ripples throughout racing and passenger car engine development. French mark Peugot is rumored to be developing a prototype car for next years 24 hours and already it was announced it will be a diesel.

Congratulations to Audi and Joest racing and be sure to watch for Audi to capitalize on their knowledge TDI technology and their Le Mans results. Could be classic winners circle Sunday, showroom Monday marketing.