As the new A8 makes its debut, Audi has announced the model line up will feature two ‘extensively’ reengineered V6 turbo engines: a 3.0 TDI and a 3.0 TFSI. The diesel develops 282hp, and the petrol version 335hp. An eight-cylinder TDI – a 4.0-litre with 429hp – will follow slightly later. The range topping engine version is a W12 with a displacement of 6.0 litres.
All five engines operate in conjunction with a belt alternator starter (BAS), which Audi states is the ‘nerve centre’ of the 48v electrical system. The mild hybrid technology enables the car to coast with the engine switched off, and to restart smoothly. It also has an extended stop/ start functionality and an energy recovery output of up to 12kW. The combined effect of these measures is to bring down the fuel consumption of the already efficient engines even further – by as much as 0.7l/100km in real world driving conditions.
The A8 L e-tron quattro features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and will will join the model line-up at a later date: Its 3.0 TFSI engine and powerful electric motor achieve 442hp and 700Nm. The lithium-ion battery stores enough power for about 31-miles of electric driving. Audi Wireless Charging will be offered at a later date as an option. A pad in the garage floor transfers the power inductively to a receiver coil in the car.