A8/S8 Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012

[HighestOfHigh]

Automakers are always looking to add a tinge of green to their fleets, and Audi is reportedly ready to drop a few cylinders on its flagship sedan. The 2012 Audi A8 will be offered as a hybrid, with a four-cylinder gasoline engine being paired with an electric motor. The A8 Hybrid will likely be offered after Audi has launched a front-wheel drive six-cylinder diesel version, both of which should provide quite a different driving experience compared to the 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 currently available.

The move to a smaller cylinder count comes as automakers begin to prepare for tougher CAFE standards. Audi, not wanted to be left behind, sees that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are already moving to more efficient powertrains. Mercedes, who already launched its S400 Hybrid, is also adding a four-cylinder version of its flagship model – a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel in the S250 CDI model. BMW has a different take on how it will produce more efficient luxury sedans. Rather than reducing the number of cylinders, BMW will add electric motors to its six and eight cylinder engines, so for the time being there are no plan to put a four-cylinder in the engine bay of a 7 Series.

- Report: Audi bringing four-cylinder A8 in 2012 — Autoblog

 

[Giannis]

Yup, a 4-cylinder diesel engine is a great idea, even in such cars as the A8 and S-Class. There are many people who buy these cars for their presence, status and luxury features, and not their performance.

 

[klier]

Yup, a 4-cylinder diesel engine is a great idea, even in such cars as the A8 and S-Class. There are many people who buy these cars for their presence, status and luxury features, and not their performance.

Meh. With FWD and a 4 cylinder diesel engine the car will instantly become a 2000 kg Passat.

 

[Giannis]

Meh. With FWD and a 4 cylinder diesel engine the car will instantly become a 2000 kg Passat.

This made me laugh, which means that it's not wrong. Indeed, with FWD and a small 4-pot diesel, the only thing that will separate these two cars (apart from the Passat looking better ) will be the tons of luxury features of the A8.

Seriously speaking, these 4 cylinder diesel versions of the A8 and S-Class target those people who only want luxury, and are not willing to pay for performance. A 4 cyl diesel is a small price to pay if you want A8 luxury and features at a smaller price!

 

[klier]

Yeah, but at least the Merc has the magic of RWD. That alone makes it 'luxury'

Seriously though, a 4 pot in the A8 is logical, and if BMW doesn't do it this gen they will do it the next one. But FWD in the luxury class shouldn't be allowed, and Audi should stick with quattro in the A8. And A7. And A6.

 

[Mr Robert]

Just look at the FWD Phaeton, nothing wrong with that car... maybe just that so few people realise that.

 

[klier]

But a Phaeton IS a VW, so it can have FWD. Not that it did good on the market though, not at all.

 

[Mr Robert]

But a Phaeton IS a VW, so it can have FWD. Not that it did good on the market though, not at all.

Oh, but Audi is also VW, in all but four rings in the front, and most Audis here are FWD.

 

[Merc1]

The A8 is still special with me, but FWD and 4-cylinder is just too downmarket IMO. I have yet to see the new A8 on the road or at the dealer yet, but I can't wait to sit in it again. Audi has but one shot to make this design special - its call the S8.


M

 

[Mr Robert]

I think the A8 has a good presence on the road.

 

[footie]

Blame the tree huggers for all of these manufacturers feeling the need to offer an ultra clean and economical model in every range they do, also if you have a problem with fwd in general then this car could never appeal to you but if you don't and feel very passionate about the enviornment then this car may appeal to you. But in all honesty, if you consider an A8, S-class or 7er before a Prius then you can't really be that concerned in the first place.

 

[Tarek]

First S250 CDI now Audi and BMW is definitely gonna follow with F01 FL.

 

[Mr Robert]

First S250 CDI now Audi and BMW is definitely gonna follow with F01 FL.

I think they should do it with the F01. Afterall, if a sportscar doesen't have to be light and sporty, a luxury sedan doesen't have to sport a V8 or V12.

 

[PanterroR]

^They souldn't.

I don't want to pay 70k for the "options" in the 1st place () and last thing i want to see on a 7er in the back is the "723d" badge - hell f'n no!

100k+! We're talking about flagships here and nothing and noone will convince me that it's "normal", whichever way the austomotive industy is heading to and what are the "rules"... These cars represented the status and symbol of all three of them, decades long... I'm always for 6cyl (mininimum) in those cars, and everything below that is out of any question...

Those cars were alwas proud of their "heart" under the hood and 2.0 4cyl engine ain't something to be proud of in such car, at least afaic. If some 50 € less gas a month is the reason you'll go for such car, that you've definitely mistaken the segment.

What's next? A 4pot Bentley and some will come and justify it as "normal"? Give me a break, please.