Audi launches diesel A8 variants

Audi has plugged yet another niche with its A8 4.2 TDI, the only luxury sedan priced above $100,000 with a diesel V8.

The new variant is one of two diesels joining the petrol-engined A8 4.2 FSI, the other engine a V6 powering the A8 3.0 TDI. Both engines combine the frugal fuel efficiency for which diesel combustion is known, with Audi's acknowledged expertise in drivetrain refinement and output.

Power and torque are 184kW/550Nm for the V6 and 258kW/800Nm for the V8. From 1500rpm the torque for the V6 peaks and remains flat before tailing off at 3000rpm. It's a similar situation for the V8, with torque reaching the maximum level between 1750 and 2750rpm. Acceleration times to 100km/h from a standing start are 6.1 seconds for the V6 and 5.5 seconds for the V8. Fuel consumption in combined-cycle testing is 6.6L/100km (V6) and 7.6L/100km (V8) with CO2 emissions rated at 176g/km and 199g/km respectively -- the latter figure for the V8 scraping in under the all-important figure of 200g/km.

Lighter than the previous 4.2-litre TDI V8, the new engine is more frugal than the older powerplant by 19 per cent, despite the improved output -- an extra 18kW and 150Nm.

Fuel consumption for the all-new V6 is 22 per cent better than the older 3.0-litre TDI engine's and the CO2 emissions are class-leading, the importer says. An extensive weight reduction program for the V6 has reduced its weight to 194kg, 23kg better than the earlier V6.

The V6 comes with an auto-stop/start system to reduce fuel consumption while the car is at standstill, waiting for traffic lights to change. Audi claims that the fuel-saving system accounts for a reduction of 0.4L/100km in fuel use on the combined cycle, but the reduction is further improved in city-cycle testing.

The diesels drive through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that channels the torque through Audi's quattro system to all four wheels. In addition to the quattro drive system's native grip, Audi has packed the A8 with other active safety features like xenon headlights, a sports differential (optional for the V6, standard for the V8), ABS/EBD, Brake Assist, stability control, traction control and an electronic differential lock.

Passive safety features fitted run to two-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags front and rear, side-curtain airbags and active headrests.

Comfort and convenience features specified as standard to the A8 3.0 TDI include: Audi Drive Select, alarm, rear-view camera with parking sensors, electrically-adjustable electrochromatic exterior mirrors (folding), keyless start/entry, four-zone climate control, walnut brown veneer, 22-way adjustable electric front seats with memory function, Valcona leather trim, 10-speaker audio with USB/MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and MMI satellite navigation with hard disc.

Additional features offered as standard in the A8 4.2 TDI include: a BOSE 19-speaker audio system, TV tuner, an ambient lighting package, automatically-sealing doors, powered bootlid and adaptive headlights. The V6-engined variant rides on 18-inch alloy wheels in a 7-spoke design and 235/55 Pirelli tyres. As standard the A8 4.2 TDI is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels in a 10-spoke 'Y' design; tyres are 255/45 Pirellis.

Prices for the new variants are $188,000 for the A8 3.0 TDI and $234,500 for the A8 4.2 TDI. The V8 diesel is priced the same as its petrol equivalent, the A8 4.2 FSI.

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