Audi A8 Tdi: the lauded land yacht goes diesel with spectacular results

This article makes the case that "going diesel" has, at least in Europe, become an emotional as well as practical decision, with diesel iterations becoming more desirable than their gasoline-powered counterparts. This movement is quite well exemplified by Audi's new Tdi application, the A8. The engine is a 4.0 liter V8 with two turbochargers and matching twin intercoolers, producing 272-hp and 479 lb./ft. of torque which could prove useful in uprooting stubborn redwoods. Of course Quattro is there to put the power to the ground, and a surprisingly sporty six-speed tiptronic setup handles the gear changing, helping the A8 hit 60 mph in about six and a half. Audi has truly brought diesel into the luxury realm, with none of the stereotypical noise upon startup, and all of the requisite flagship appointments, including a knee-buckling tag of £57,630, which translates to just over 100K in U.S. monies.