Fresh on the heels of Mercedes-Benz announcing its new turbodiesel V8, Audi has taken up the challenge by with the release of its own big turbodiesel engine, which churns out 650 N.m of torque.
Fresh on the heels of Mercedes-Benz announcing its new turbodiesl V8 (with 231 kW and 730 N.m), Audi has taken up the challenge by with the release of its own big turbodiesel engine, which churns out 650 N.m of torque.
Audi’s A8 4,2 TDI quattro uses the company’s new eight-cylinder biturbo turbodiesel engine. The engine’s 240 kW comes at 3 750 r/min, while a healthy 650 N.m of torque is available all the way from 1 600 to 3 500 r/min. Combined with the six-speed tiptronic transmission, the big saloon races from zero to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds and reaches a (limited) top speed of 250 km/h.
The turbodiesel engine is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter that should last for the vehicle’s lifetime without being serviced.
The Audi A8 has an aluminium chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. Adaptive air suspension, which incorporates an air suspension system with continuous damper control, allows the car to adapt to several driving conditions.
From June, the luxury saloon can be ordered with either the standard- or long wheelbase, which is about 30 mm longer. Unfortunately, the engine is not compatible with the diesel fuel currently being used in South Africa, but the impending changes in the diesel fuel quality could steer this powerful V8 in our direction.
First deliveries of Audi’s A8 4,2 TDI quattro (in Europe) will take place in the third quarter of this year.