Audi A8 4.2 TDI may be launched soon

We've heard rumours of the V8-powered diesel A8 coming soon to the Indian market, so we gave Audi a call and asked them if they were true. The company wasn't willing to confirm or deny it; however, they did say that there will be an announcement made soon. 

What we expect will be in the announcement is the inclusion of the 4.2 TDI-powered A8 in the Indian lineup. The engine is available in the Q7 full-size SUV with 340PS and a mind-numbing 760Nm of torque. We expect these figures to shrink a little for the A8 to 346bhp and 590Nm like in the European models, since the A8 doesn't have to lug around as much weight as the Q7 does. Audi claims that the A8 4.2 TDI will get to 100kmph in 5.5 seconds - quick enough to outrun almost all machinery on our roads, thanks to the new ZF 8-speed automatic - and is limited to 250kmph.

The inclusion of the 4.2 TDI will round out the A8 range nicely - it will become the 'performance' version of the A8 and offer the benefits of diesel as well. However, don't expect it to come cheap. It will slot above the 4.2 FSI in the A8 range. 

In the unlikely event that the 4.2 TDI isn't on its way here, Audi could also be preparing to announce the revamped 3.0 TDI, which is lighter, cleaner and was just announced in other markets around the world. The 3.0 TDI is currently the mainstay of the A8 and Q7 models in the Indian market. 

Edit: We have confirmation that the 4.2 TDI is the engine that Audi will be launching.