Victoryroad

HUD on my BMW 650i convertible is a worthwhile option, although not one that is essential. My guess is that Audi's version will have more information on the display. The chance that the engine on the 2012 D4 will be meaningfully more powerful is worth the wait. Who knows, but AoA may even push hard for the TDI sooner than later, although it will still probably be more than a year.

audi_fan

Does anyone know when the A8 with the new 420 PS 4.0 tfsi quattro will debut?
According to some rumors the new engine will be available in mid 2011. Am I right?
Also I heard that the A7 will get this engine as well (408 PS).
Please reply soon.

derfA8L

Variants of the forced induction 4.0L V8 are rumored to be the base engines for the S8, S7 and S6 in twin turbo form. The S8 will likely be unveiled this Spring. If available in the A8, A7 and A6, then a single turbo version (yes I know---could also be supercharged, but I still doubt it) could be it...but not mid-year '11. If made available for A8 and A8L, then not before 2012 MY release in the Fall. That's my guess.

audi_fan

You might be right - I don't know where you live .
It could be that the new engine is avaiable in Germany at first - later in other countries. I think in Germany the new engine debuts in mid/late 2011 and in other countries (e.g. USA) the engine is available in 2012.

derfA8L

Yes, I was being parochial---basing my guess on U.S./North American spec cars.

audi_fan

Yes, I understand - I think the actual A8 debuted a bit later in the USA - so I think the new 4.0 litre V8 debuts in Germany at first.

But do you have some sources with some information about this engine?

derfA8L

Just what I've been reading in the press and online sites like Edmunds Inslde Line. With the A8 in its intro year, Audi will undoubtedly delay any public announcements on replacing the current 4.2L engine until the last minute, so not to negatively impact sales. Perhaps the 4.2L normally aspirated engine will soldier on for a while, but with the new forced induction 4.0L engine as an available option. We shall see, probably in late Spring.

audi_fan

You mean late spring 2011?
Yes, I have contacted Audi. They don't give any information about this information yet because they don't know what the engineerings are doing. They give information about the new engine when they have the full information. Also they give the information of the new information a few months before delivery.