DIESEL is back in the Audi A8 range – and how! The flagship twin-turbo V8 oiler now produces 258kW and 800Nm of torque while sipping 7.6 litres of fuel per 100km, meaning you really can have your cake and eat it. Meanwhile, Audi has also released a 3.0-litre diesel V6 base model, $46,500 cheaper than the V8. Its class-leading fuel and CO2 figures are backed up by equally impressive performance statistics. We drove both to find out whether it’s now acceptable to drive from boardroom to diesel bowser.
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A8
Released: July 2006
Ended: July 2010
Family Tree: A8THE last-generation A8 was introduced in 2002, positioned as a ‘sports limousine’. Two V8 models were available at launch and both used a constant all-wheel-drive system., , There was a 3.7-litre V8 for the $173,900 3.7 quattro and a 4.2-litre version priced at $206,900., , The former was later phased out, leaving the 3.2 FSI quattro to open the range at $158,600. In order to help the A8 take up its challenger to the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7 Series it was fitted with a range of technology including the BMW iDrive-rivalling MMI controller (which was more warmly received), adaptive air suspension, LED taillights and a DVD-based satellite-navigation system. A powerful 4.2-litre V8 diesel and 6.0-litre 12-cylinder W engine were later added to the A8 range.
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