Audi Debuts the A8 L 4.0T Sport

2016 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport (Credit: © Audi)

Audi has been on a roll lately with creating more powerful versions of its lineup. The latest addition is a more potent version of the A8 that it dubbed the A8 L 4.0T Sport. On top of being more powerful, Audi also spent some time turning up the model’s sportiness relative to the A8 L 4.0T that it replaces – hence the addition of “Sport” in its name.

Under its hood, this model makes use of the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine as its predecessor, but Audi turned up the juice a little. This updated V-8 engine now pounds out 450 horsepower at 5,100 rpm – a 15-horsepower bump – and 444 pound-feet of twist from 1,500 rpm. This engine pairs up with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission that delivers the power to Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi has yet to reveal the A8 L 4.0T Sport’s 0-to-60 time, but it is probably only slightly quicker than the 2015 model’s 4.3-second sprint.

The exterior of the 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport also gets some updates relative to its predecessor. These include a lowered stance, more aggressive rocker panels, a restyled lower rear bumper, a panoramic sunroof, and a set of standard 20-inch five-double-spoke rollers. Optionally, buyers can choose from two other 20-inch wheel options and a 2-1-inch five-arm option with summer rubber. Audi also toned down on the chrome accents for a sportier look.

The cabin also has some upscale bits to set it apart from the model it replaces. These include 22-way Comfort seats wrapped in a diamond-pattern Valcona leather, vented front seats with massage, an Alcantara headliner, a heads-up display, and acoustic glazing on the windows for a more peaceful cabin.

This new version of the A8 L is available at dealers now at a starting price of $90,500. That’s a $9,000 increase over the base A8 L 3.0 TFSI.