Power plus efficiencyThe TDI® engines of the A8 L

One in every two Audi cars sold today is a diesel. What sounds perfectly normal now was cause for huge excitement 20 years ago, when Audi revolutionised the market with the first 2.5 litre TDI engine. Since then, developments such as common rail technology have made TDI even more efficient.

A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro

Piezo injectors ensure the fuel is finely and precisely distributed. Consequently, since the first TDI, the engines have become around 30% more economical, whilst specific output has increased. So it was only logical that a diesel car should then enter the world of motorsport. And successfully too.

In 2006, the Audi R10 TDI won the 24 h race at Le Mans – the first diesel powered racing car to do so. It was able to repeat this victory on several occasions. An engine with winner’s genes awaits you in the new Audi A8 L. For example, the 3.0 TDI power unit with 184 kW; it’s got plenty of pulling power and it goes without saying that it works with the intelligent Common Rail technology. Of course, efficiency does not exclude driving enjoyment: With the hefty 550 Nm of torque, you can accelerate your A8 L from 0 to 100 km in 6.2 seconds.

Fuel consumption and emissions data:
Fuel consumption, combined, 6,6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions, combined, 174 g/km

A8 L 4.2 TDI quattro

You’ll sense the sheer power of the Audi A8 L 4.2 TDI engine as soon as you step on the accelerator: 258 kW (350 bhp) and peak torque of 800 Nm whisk you from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. Yet its consumption is only 7.8 l per 100 km.

This is largely thanks to the common rail technology, which injects the fuel directly into the piston combustion chamber at up to 2,000 bar. The TDI engine, too, features innovative thermal management that cuts fuel consumption by rapidly heating up the coolant. The engine’s weight has moreover been reduced despite its greater technical complexity.

Fuel consumption and emissions data:
Fuel consumption, combined, 7.8 l/100 km
CO2 emissions, combined, 204 g/km