Share

Audi adds super-luxury diesel

TWIN-TURBO: Turbodiesel power finally makes it into the ultra-luxury D segment in the form of a 4.2 TDI for Audi's A8.
TWIN-TURBO: Turbodiesel power finally makes it into the ultra-luxury D segment in the form of a 4.2 TDI for Audi's A8.
At the 2010 launch of the current A8, Audi mentioned it would be taking a definite stab at its fellow German brands for a larger share of the South African D-segment pie. And it seems it wasn't joking as the company starts rolling out a number of new derivatives in 2011.

Audi SA’s flagship A8 range sees the addition of eight-cylinder turbodiesel power – a first for its segment, with more models to come later in the year.

The 4.2 TDI with quattro all-wheel drive joins the 4.2-litre V8 petrol model introduced in South Africa in August, 2010.

The twin-turbo V8 develops 258kW and 800Nm of torque, Audi says, while drive to the four wheels is via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission using Audi’s sports differential torque vectoring system fitted as standard equipment.

MORE IS MORE

The A8 may be huge, but the V8 TDI ensures it is quick, too – Audi claims a 0 to 100km/h sprint of 6.2 seconds. The executive sedan has a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, while CO2 emissions are pegged at 199 g/km.

The level of equipment, as befitting a car of the A8's stature, is understandably high and identical to that seen on the petrol V8 model. Standard features include the latest generation MMI with touchpad and navigation, 22-way adjustable front seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.  

The A8 4.2 TDI quattro Tiptronic costs R1 121 500 and is sold with Audi’s five year or 100 000 km full maintenance plan.

However, the new turbodiesel isn’t the only A8 activity from Audi for 2011. Audi SA has promised more A8 models, including the six-cylinder 3.0 T and 3.0 TDI, will be introduced later in the year.

The company's other D-segment competitor - the A7 - is scheduled for imminent introduction.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE