Audi A8 Gets Expanded Powerplant Selection for 2013 Model Year

NASHUA, N.H., July 30, 2012 – For the 2012 model year, Audi's flagship A8 sedan was available with a choice of just two engines, but for 2013 that selection is growing to include three powerplants in four different models. Two of those engines are brand new, including a powerful 4.0T V8 twin-turbo to replace an outgoing 4.2-liter V8, as well as a 3.0T Supercharged V6.

Arriving at dealerships at the end of the summer, the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T will churn out 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, improvements of 48 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque compared its predecessor. The 4.0T V8 engine is also expected to be more fuel efficient, featuring a cylinder deactivation function that turns the unit into a four-cylinder under certain circumstances. Already on sale, the 2013 Audi A8 3.0T leverages its new V6 to produce 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, all while returning up to 28 mpg on the highway.

"The 2013 Audi A8's revised engine lineup is designed to suit a wider range of buyers without losing sight of the sedan's signature performance," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua, an Audi dealer in New Hampshire. "The new V6 model is far from entry-level, but it creates a more affordable and efficient A8 option. Meanwhile, the 500-horsepower W12 engine is still available for power junkies, and the new 4.0T V8 offers the best of both worlds."

For discerning buyers that require the upmost in power and speed, Audi will also be introducing a new high-performance S model of the A8 this fall. Housing a specially tuned version of the new 4.0T V8 engine, the 2013 Audi S8 will channel 520 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission, enabling it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Audi's A6 and A7 will also be available as S models, with the 2013 S6 and S7 set to receive the 420-horsepower version of the 4.0T engine.

As Audi's higher-end sedans get sportier trims for 2013, the automaker's mid-range A4 and A5 have received design and technology upgrades. The 2013 Audi A4 and A5 each don a redesigned grille and bumpers, as well as a new hood and headlamps with a new LED daytime running light design. Inside, chrome accents create a more upscale feel, while Audi connect is now an available feature, offering navigation with Google Maps, weather and travel information as well as a Wi-Fi connection for up to eight wireless devices.

Audi's emphasis on innovative technology was recently extended beyond its cars and into a virtual showroom in London. Opening in time for the 2012 London Olympics, Audi City is a new brand-immersion space that displays the automaker's entire lineup in digital form on huge screens called powerwalls. Visitors can specify a model, color and trim to be displayed on a powerwall by using tables featuring touchscreens. They will then be given a memory stick with their choice that can later be taken to a dealership with real-life Audi vehicles.

"Audi City is part of the automaker's broader push to give its customers a low-pressure, luxury lifestyle experience whenever they encounter the brand," Bedell noted. "It also helps buyers realize just how many options that they have to choose from when creating their ideal Audi. This is especially true for the new 2013 models, as Audi is further expanding the appeal of its vehicles."

About Audi of Nashua:
A five-time winner of Audi's prestigious Magna Society award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world's finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua, or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H., at 603-578-3744.