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New Audi A8 4.2 TDI
By Stéphane Schlesinger on 11 June 2005 | 
(2) Comments | Permalink
In terms of power, the Audi A8 4.0 TDI was surpassed by an unexpected opponent, namely the... Volkswagen Phaeton V10 TDI, delivering 313bhp. A weird situation, for Audi is meant to be the luxury brand of the group.
The new V8 4.2 TDI remedies this problem with a power amounting to 326bhp, thanks to 2 turbochargers and new piezoelectric injectors. Yes, this engine is fitted with a common-rail injection system instead of pump-injectors, more efficient but more brutal too.
Power is one thing, torque another: here there’s no less than 650Nm available as soon as 1600rpm, with the help of the variable geometry of the 2 turbos, whose vanes are electrically actuated.
A question remains: why didn’t Audi choose to use the V10 TDI?
The A8 4.2 TDI keeps the Quattro transmission and receives a particulate filter, requiring no maintenance, along with adaptative xenon lights. How can one tell the difference between the former 4.0 and the new 4.2? The latter, like all the A8s now, is adorned with the single-frame grille first seen on the W12 version
With its new heart, the aluminium-framed limousine can dash from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9secs, its top speed being governed to 155mph. The overall consumption allows one to run no less than 25mph: even those who spend more than £50,000 in their car like to save money sometimes.
Now BMW has just released the 300bhp 745d, we can expect a quick response from Mercedes.
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Comments
Posted by: Tyler | Jun 12, 2005 7:06:13 PM
Yeah this Audi is really something!!! :P
I want one.
Posted by: Stéphane Schlesinger | Jun 12, 2005 11:40:25 PM
Very tempting indeed. And it drinks less than an old Escort 1.6.
