Photo: DTE Systems
Audi's A8 is in fierce competition with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. But you almost never see any tuning projects, not on the scale of the crazy stuff coming out of BMW Abu Dhabi, for example.
This is unlikely to change for the all-new generation, codenamed the D5 or 4N. However, we have come across the only 2018 model with engine mods, thanks to a company called DTE Systems.
Right now, the two main engines for the A8 are the "55 TFSI," which uses a similar powerplant to the S4 and delivers 340 HP, and the "50 TDI," offering diesel as its primary fuel, though also helped by electricity.
There are other models, of course, like the W12-powered version who's exhaust we sampled last year. And did you know there's also going to be an A8 60 TFSI e-tron this year? It delivers 450 HP from a combination of electricity and 3-liter turbo, similar to what they will put in the SQ8.
But DTE focused on the most popular version in Germany, the A8 50 TDI. Using a PowerControl X control unit, they can push output to 322 HP, while torque also goes up from 600 to 670 Nm.
The signals of boost pressure, camshaft and rail pressure are recorded and fed into the main control unit. The system works with multi-map technology and is installed without restriction on vehicles with particulate filters, which the TDI obviously has.
Keeping up with modern times, the power box can also be controlled from inside the car using a smartphone app.
So what else do you guys think the new Audi A8 needs? Our first step would be an active sound exhaust system, like the one you get on the SQ7. We'd also match it to quad mufflers. The stance can quickly be addressed, but a body kit on such a clean design requires careful thinking. Still, carbon cladding always brings more curb appeal.
Right now, the two main engines for the A8 are the "55 TFSI," which uses a similar powerplant to the S4 and delivers 340 HP, and the "50 TDI," offering diesel as its primary fuel, though also helped by electricity.
There are other models, of course, like the W12-powered version who's exhaust we sampled last year. And did you know there's also going to be an A8 60 TFSI e-tron this year? It delivers 450 HP from a combination of electricity and 3-liter turbo, similar to what they will put in the SQ8.
But DTE focused on the most popular version in Germany, the A8 50 TDI. Using a PowerControl X control unit, they can push output to 322 HP, while torque also goes up from 600 to 670 Nm.
The signals of boost pressure, camshaft and rail pressure are recorded and fed into the main control unit. The system works with multi-map technology and is installed without restriction on vehicles with particulate filters, which the TDI obviously has.
Keeping up with modern times, the power box can also be controlled from inside the car using a smartphone app.
So what else do you guys think the new Audi A8 needs? Our first step would be an active sound exhaust system, like the one you get on the SQ7. We'd also match it to quad mufflers. The stance can quickly be addressed, but a body kit on such a clean design requires careful thinking. Still, carbon cladding always brings more curb appeal.
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