In August last year, Audi SA launched the latest A8 model with only one engine option, the 4,2-litre petrol-fed V8 (see CAR November 2010 for a full road test). This model has now been joined by three others.
Together with the aforementioned V8, a 3,0-litre supercharged V6 completes the petrol line-up. This is the same powerplant that is employed in the Audi S4 and Q7 3,0T FSI. Headline figures are 213 kW of power and peak torque of 420 N.m, which is available between 2 500 r/min and 4 850 r/min. Quoted fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 9,1 litres/100 km, which equates to 213 g of CO2/km.
The diesel line-up consists of a V6 and a V8 engine. The V6 TDI produces 184 kW from its 3,0-litre swept volume and 550 N.m between 1 500 and 3 000 r/min. Diesel consumption is a meagre 6,6 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions are 174 g/km. The “least powerful” A8 is no slouch; it accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in a shade over 6,0 seconds.
The ‘big daddy” diesel is a 4,2-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 that develops 258 kW and a whopping 800 N.m of torque from 1 750 r/min. These impressive outputs help the hefty car from zero to 100 km/h in only 5,5 seconds. Driven sedately, the 4,2 TDI will achieve a combined fuel consumption of 7,6 litres/100 km. Claimed CO2 emissions are only 199 g/km.
As with most Audis, top speed is limited to 250 km/h for these limousines. All powertrain variants come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive technology.
Pricing:
A8 3,0T FSI quattro tiptronic R 918 000
A8 3,0 TDI quattro tiptronic R 924 500
A8 4,2 FSI quattro tiptronic R1 105 905
A8 4,2 TDI quattro tiptronic R1 121 500
All prices include a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and CO2 taxes.
