Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi is considering plans to build the R8 V12 TDI, the first road going super sports car fitted with a 12- cylinder diesel engine, company spokesman Josef Schlossmacher said.

"We are currently looking at the economics and market possibilities," Schlossmacher said after the test in Miami. The car was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

A decision would be made by the middle of this year. Should the plans go ahead, serial production could start in 2010, the spokesman said.

Based on the Audi R8 the V12 generates a huge 500 hp and 1,000 Newton-metres of torque. The V12 TDI is closely related to the engine in the Audi R10, the two-time Le Mans winner.

It sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 300 km/h. The Audi R8 TDI complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard that is likely to take effect in 2014 and foresees sharply reduced nitrogen oxides.

The V12 TDI is displayed as the "beating heart" of the sports car, beneath a restyled rear glass lid. The engine can even be seen after dark, when white light-emitting diodes illuminate the engine compartment. (dpa)