More ‘A’ for Audi

If you remember just a few weeks back, BMW unveiled its latest generation 3 Series and it was master blaster Sachin Tendulkar who took over the ceremony, this week it was the turn of its competitor Audi to bring in its latest edition of A8 equipped with a powerful 4.2 TDI engine and it was Bachchan junior who took the delivery of this customised limousine.

The 4.2 TDI joins the powerful A8 L family comprising a V6 3.0 TDI q, V8 4.2 FSI q, and a W12 6.3 L q. A large, distinguished luxury sedan, the new Audi A8 L impresses with a presence of powerful confidence. The length and wheelbase have both been stretched by 13 centimetres to measure 5.27 metres, offering increased comfort to rear seat passengers. It is available with an optional relaxation seat with power footrest. A number of seating options are available, including the massage function and rear seat entertainment.

As Audi India head Michael Perschke puts it straight: “After the overwhelming response to the high-tech Audi A8 L in India, we have launched a variant of the flagship of the brand with a powerful diesel engine. The Audi A8 L 4.2 TDI epitomises a new level of sporty performance combined with technical intelligence and engineering art. The car symbolises true luxe mobility with its opulence, sophistication and aspirational value. The Audi A8 L has been a benchmark in its segment and the new variant will redefine automotive excellence in India.”

The 4.2 TDI is a V8 engine. It generates power of 350 hp and delivers 800 Nm of torque between 1750-2750 rpm, making it the sportiest diesel saloon in the luxury class. According to the company, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were cut on average by 15 per cent. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Some of the striking key characteristics of this limousine include: Bang & Olufsen Sound System (optional), rear seat entertainment, Audi music interface, power-adjustable individual rear seats, with the luxurious rear executive seat package available as an option, craftsman-level fit and finish, generous list of standard and optional equipment, advanced MMI system including MMI touch with a pioneering character recognition, as standard, New Audi pre sense basic safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimising their consequences to name a few.

Priced at just over Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom Maharashtra) onwards, the Audi A8 is the epitome of luxury saloon in India. The company which has been going steady with sales achieved yet another record performance as it marked up a sale of 680 cars in July 2012—a growth of 98 percent over the same period last year (July 2011: 343 cars).