Report: Audi to add twin-turbocharged 4.0L TFSI V8 to A8 family

When the current “D4” generation Audi A8 debuted in 2010, it came with the brand’s lovely 90-degree 4.2L TFSI direct-injected and naturally aspirated V8. Though, because of tightening fuel economy mandates, the Ingolstadt-based brand dropped the V8 in favor of a slightly less-thirsty, but nearly as potent, supercharged 3.0L direct-inject V6 for the base model. That said, the Audi A8 was the only one in its segment left without a V8 option.

To do some catching up, Audi has apparently announced that they’ll be releasing a new version of the A8, aimed directly at the BMW 750Li and the Mercedes-Benz S550. Because the latter two have V8s already, you can already guess what this means. Yup, the A8 will be getting a V8 too.

The engine is the same starring powerplant that debuted in the 2013 Audi S6 and S7 late last year. That engine is a 90-degree V8, but displacement was docked to 4.0L to accommodate two turbochargers, to produce 420hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It’s also similar to the engine used in the 520hp S8.

Channeling that power to all four wheels is of course, a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic mated to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The A8 4.0T is expected to hit showrooms by the end of this summer, with the short wheelbase model starting at $81,795, while the long wheelbase A8L 4.0T will demand $87,795.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER