AUDI has used its Le Mans-winning know-how to create the world’s most powerful diesel passenger car.

The Q7’s twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 TDI engine develops 493bhp and a massive 737lb-ft of torque, and was honed using technology from the R10 TDI which won this year’s Le Mans 24-hour race.

The new unit takes the car to 62mph from standstill in 5.5 seconds and will hit 155mph before it is electronically limited. Audi promises a combined economy of 23.7mpg should the engine go into production.