mtnboydl

All,

New to AudiWorld- spent many many years on VWVortex, but now that I've moved on from my GLI its time to move on to a forum with better knowledge of what I'm moving into.

I've settled on an A8L, 2011-2013. The years are somewhat driven by price, as I still have a couple of years before my budget expands more. Im a fan of the naturally aspirated 4.2 and know that there are many D3's out there with 200k+ miles on that motor. Also, great economy and efficiency, no turbo lag, etc.

Other than the standing start 0-60 power of the 4.0 in the '13, is there any other change that would make the '13 more appealing for its price premium? I've gone through the option packages for the different years and they are extremely similar. The only thing I noted was the full overhead camera view when parking in the '13 that is only color coded by proximity in the '11 and '12. Rear valence is obviously different on the outside.

My dream is white with nougat brown interior. Everything above that is a bonus!

Thanks in advance and I look forward to many years of enjoyment of the big brother to my GLI!

Jack88

Other than power, I can't think of anything. Noise cancelling is new on the S8, I'm not sure if that carries onto the 4.0t or if it was tied to another option. The acceleration of the 4.0 isn't just a bit more than the 4.2, it's hugely faster. So if power means anything to you at all, it's the clear choice. That said, the 4.2 I had certainly never felt slow or wanting for power during normal passing or merging scenarios. If you don't care about the extra power that much, it may be better to look for a 4.2, since you could get one fully optioned out for the price of a bare 4.0t.

Also worth consideration is the 3.0t. Cheaper than the 4.0t, it's a bit slower than the 4.2 but still sufficient to motivate the A8 without issue. It's a very reliable motor, but personally I think the engine note is unsuitable to the A8's personality.

kungfupanda11

Personally I'd go for the 4.0t. It's a newer engine, offers more power and is infinitely more tuneable than the normally aspirated 4.2

I've got the 3.0t and have had it tuned to over 400bhp and it has been thoroughly reliable.

dildildil

If you have the money go with the 2013,

mtnboydl

Thanks for weighing in everyone! I welcome continued input.

Jack88- Agree about the concept of the 3.0T. I'm sure its adequate, but I want a V8 in my land yacht. If I could go W12 I would!!!

I don't plan to tune at all, so base power is the power that I will use for the next several years. I know that the 4.0 is much more tunable, especially with the APR chip.

Any thoughts on cost of maintenance with the 4.0 vs the 4.2?

LexusLSguy

Naturally aspirated will require less maintenance. I cannot verify this personally but both Audi dealers who I spoke with said the 3.0 is the more reliable engine. Not trying to start any fires just relaying what I was told. I would also say drive the 3.0 before you judge. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do but it does the job very well and can do 60 in like .2 seconds less then the 4.2 I consistently get 28 - 30 mpg on the highway. Of course the 4.0 will be more powerful. Put 2 grand into the 3.0 (APR stage 2) and it's probably faster then the stock tune on the 4.0 Either way, both are great.

mtnboydl

Great thoughts. I actually drove the 3.0 a few months ago, and it was perfectly adequate acceleration wise. 99% of a daily driver is less than 50% throttle

I would be surprised if the 3.0T with APR tune would keep up with the stock 4.0T. Both are similar HP, but APR quotes 4.0 0-60 for the 4.0T which is amazing. I haven't seen any acceleration numbers for the tuned 3.0T

I'm looking around 50k miles, so I know the 4.2 has 200k miles left on the motor. Less confident in the 4.0T

Jack88

Given the 4.0t is basically two 2.0t's slapped together, allegedly anyhow, I'd expect it to be a pretty reliable workhorse. There still haven't been many complaints about it here.

LexusLSguy

Apr stage 2 with an intake puts out 468hp and 432tq according to APR. the 4.0t puts out 420 hp and 444tq. The 3.0 Is about 150lbs lighter. It would be a great race... lol

mtnboydl

My GLI had the 2.0T and it was a pretty fantastic motor. If the 4.0 is actually sharing that structure, it's a plus. But I'd want to see some legitimate sources on it. I'm sure they've quieted down the valve train noise by now....

​I read at another site that the 3.0 wasn't as efficient as audi made it out to be? The 4.2 had higher EPA rated mileage on the hwy. Anyone provide personal numbers?

Thanks all for your great insight. Once I finally have the end car I'm going to be so happy